What are you laughing at? Submitted by Korotkikh Alina 2 -nd year student of the biology faculty
We may know what makes us giggle, but understanding why is a more ticklish problem. Why do we emit those strange yelps? What do they mean? And where did tittering come from?
We like to think that laughing is the height of human sophistication. Our big brains let us see the humour in a strategically positioned pun, an unexpected plot twist or a clever piece of word play.
But while joking and wit are uniquely human inventions, laughter certainly is not. Other creatures, including chimpanzees, gorillas and even rats, chuckle.
To find the foundations – the origins of laughter – we need to dig deeper. For Provine, the key lies in play. He points out that the masters of laughing are children, and nowhere is their talent more obvious than in the boisterous antics of rough-andtumble play.
Chimps do not have the vocal control to do that, so their laugh is breathy, with one sound produced on each inward and outward breath.
"Tickle a chimp and it has a characteristic play face and vocalisation". That sound is known as a pant laugh.
Zimmermann compared the sounds made in response to tickling by babies and bonobos during the first year of their life. She discovered that bonobo and human baby laughter follows broadly the same pattern. The main difference lies in the pitch, which is higher among chimps.
One idea is that laughter and tickling originated as a way of sealing the relationship between mother and child. Another is that the reflex response to tickling is protective, alerting us to the presence of crawling creatures that might harm us, or compelling us to defend the parts of our bodies - such as the abdomen.
But the idea that has gained most ground in recent years, particularly with evolutionary biologists, is that laughter in response to tickling is a way for two individuals to signal and test their trust in one another.
We'll never know which animal laughed the first laugh, or why. But we can be sure it wasn't in response to a prehistoric joke. While other animals pant, we alone can control our breath well enough to produce the ho, ho.
Laughter is the Best Medicine Humor is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy.
Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh.
Laughter is good for your health ü Laughter relaxes the whole body. ü Laughter boosts the immune system. ü Laughter triggers the release of endorphins. ü Laughter protects the heart.
Laughter and humor help you stay emotionally healthy Laughter makes you feel good. And the good feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides. Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.
Want to bring the fun? Get a pet… Most of us have experienced the joy of playing with a furry friend, and pets are a rewarding way to bring more laughter and joy into your life. But did you know that having a pet is also good for your mental and physical health? Studies show that pets can protect you depression, stress, and even heart disease.
Ways to help yourself see the lighter side of life: Ø Laugh at yourself. Ø Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. Ø Keep things in perspective. Ø Deal with your stress. Ø Pay attention to children and emulate them.
As laughter, humor, and play become an integrated part of your life, your creativity will flourish and new discoveries for playing with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily.
Humor takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective. Thank you for attention!
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