Computational humor
Encyclopedia
Computational humor is a branch of computational linguistics
and artificial intelligence
which uses computer
s in humor research
. It is not to be confused with computer humor (i.e., jokes about computer
s, programmer
s, user
s, and computing
).
It is a relatively new area, with the first dedicated conference organized in 1996.
Nevertheless, the first "computer model of a sense of humor" was suggested by
Suslov as early as 1992 .
Investigation of the general scheme of the information processing show a possibility
of a specific malfunction, conditioned by the necessity of a quick deletion from
consciousness of a false version. This specific malfunction can be identified
with a humorous effect on the psychological grounds; however, an essentially new ingredient, a role of timing, is added to a well known role of ambiguity. In biological systems,
a sense of humor inevitably develops in the course of evolution, because
its biological function consists in quickening the transmission of processed
information into consciousness and in a more effective use of brain resources.
A realization of this algorithm in neural networks
explains naturally the mechanism of laughter: deletion of a false version corresponds to zeroing of some part of the neural network and excessive energy of neurons is thrown out to the motor cortex, arousing muscular contractions.
Unfortunately, a practical realization of this algorithm needs extensive databases, whose creation in the automatic regime was suggested only recently
.
As a result, this magistral direction was not developed properly and subsequent investigations (see below) accepted somewhat specialized coloring.
Simple prototypes for computer pun
generation were reported in the early 1990s, based on a natural language generator program, VINCI. Graeme Ritchie and Kim Binsted in their 1994 research paper described a computer program, JAPE, designed to generate question-answer-type pun
s from a general, i.e., non-humorous, lexicon. (The program name is an acronym for "Joke Analysis and Production Engine".) Some examples produced by JAPE are:
Since then the approach has been improved, and the latest report, dated 2007, describes the STANDUP joke generator, implemented in Java programming language. The STANDUP generator was tested on children within the framework of analyzing its usability for language skills development for children with communication disabilities, e.g., because of cerebral palsy
. (The project name is an acronym for "System To Augment Non-speakers’ Dialog Using Puns" and an allusion to standup comedy.) Children responded to this "language playground" with enthusiasm, and showed marked improvement on certain types of language tests.
s was reported by Taylor and Mazlack. This kind of research is important in analysis of human-computer interaction.
An application of machine learning
techniques for the distinguishing of joke texts from non-jokes was described by Mihalcea and Strapparava (2006).
Takizawa et al. (1996) reported a heuristic
program of detecting puns in Japanese language
.
is described in the section "Pun generation". Another envisioned use of joke generators is in cases of steady supply of jokes where quantity is more important than quality. Another obvious, yet remote, direction is automated joke appreciation.
It is known that humans interact with computers in ways similar to interacting with other humans that may be described in terms of personality, politeness, flattery, and in-group favoritism. Therefore the role of humor in human-computer interaction is being investigated. In particular, humor generation in user interface
to ease communications with computers was suggested.
Craig McDonough implemented the Mnemonic Sentence Generator, which converts password
s into humorous sentences. Basing on the incongruity theory of humor, it is suggested that the resulting meaningless but funny sentences are easier to remember. For example, the password AjQA3Jtv is converted into "Arafat joined Quayle's Ant, while TARAR Jeopardized thurmond's vase".
is known for his interest in mathematical foundations of humor. His book Mathematics and Humor: A Study of the Logic of Humor demonstrates structures common to humor and formal sciences (mathematics, linguistics) and develops a mathematical model of jokes based on catastrophe theory
.
Computational linguistics
Computational linguistics is an interdisciplinary field dealing with the statistical or rule-based modeling of natural language from a computational perspective....
and artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
which uses computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
s in humor research
Humor research
Humor research is a multidisciplinary field which enters the domains of psychology, philosophy, linguistics, sociology, history and literature. More recently, computational humor, a subdomain of the computer science and artificial intelligence emerged, which uses computers to model humor...
. It is not to be confused with computer humor (i.e., jokes about computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
s, programmer
Programmer
A programmer, computer programmer or coder is someone who writes computer software. The term computer programmer can refer to a specialist in one area of computer programming or to a generalist who writes code for many kinds of software. One who practices or professes a formal approach to...
s, user
User (computing)
A user is an agent, either a human agent or software agent, who uses a computer or network service. A user often has a user account and is identified by a username , screen name , nickname , or handle, which is derived from the identical Citizen's Band radio term.Users are...
s, and computing
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
).
It is a relatively new area, with the first dedicated conference organized in 1996.
Nevertheless, the first "computer model of a sense of humor" was suggested by
Suslov as early as 1992 .
Investigation of the general scheme of the information processing show a possibility
of a specific malfunction, conditioned by the necessity of a quick deletion from
consciousness of a false version. This specific malfunction can be identified
with a humorous effect on the psychological grounds; however, an essentially new ingredient, a role of timing, is added to a well known role of ambiguity. In biological systems,
a sense of humor inevitably develops in the course of evolution, because
its biological function consists in quickening the transmission of processed
information into consciousness and in a more effective use of brain resources.
A realization of this algorithm in neural networks
explains naturally the mechanism of laughter: deletion of a false version corresponds to zeroing of some part of the neural network and excessive energy of neurons is thrown out to the motor cortex, arousing muscular contractions.
Unfortunately, a practical realization of this algorithm needs extensive databases, whose creation in the automatic regime was suggested only recently
.
As a result, this magistral direction was not developed properly and subsequent investigations (see below) accepted somewhat specialized coloring.
Pun generation
An approach to analysis of humor is classification of jokes. A further step is an attempt to generate jokes basing on the rules that underlie classification.Simple prototypes for computer pun
Pun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
generation were reported in the early 1990s, based on a natural language generator program, VINCI. Graeme Ritchie and Kim Binsted in their 1994 research paper described a computer program, JAPE, designed to generate question-answer-type pun
Pun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
s from a general, i.e., non-humorous, lexicon. (The program name is an acronym for "Joke Analysis and Production Engine".) Some examples produced by JAPE are:
- Q: What is the difference between leaves and a car?
- A: One you brush and rake, the other you rush and brake.
- Q: What do you call a strange market?
- A: A bizarre bazaar.
Since then the approach has been improved, and the latest report, dated 2007, describes the STANDUP joke generator, implemented in Java programming language. The STANDUP generator was tested on children within the framework of analyzing its usability for language skills development for children with communication disabilities, e.g., because of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability in human development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement....
. (The project name is an acronym for "System To Augment Non-speakers’ Dialog Using Puns" and an allusion to standup comedy.) Children responded to this "language playground" with enthusiasm, and showed marked improvement on certain types of language tests.
"The young people, who used the system over a ten-week period, regaled their peers, staff, family and neighbors with jokes such as: “What do you call a spicy missile? A hot shot!” Their joy and enthusiasm at entertaining others was inspirational.
Other
Stock and Strapparava described a program to generate funny acronyms.Joke recognition
A program to recognize knock-knock jokeKnock-knock joke
The knock-knock joke is a type of joke, probably the best-known format of the pun, and is a time-honored "call and answer" exercise.It is a role-play exercise, with a punster and a recipient of wit.The standard format has five lines:...
s was reported by Taylor and Mazlack. This kind of research is important in analysis of human-computer interaction.
An application of machine learning
Machine learning
Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence, is a scientific discipline concerned with the design and development of algorithms that allow computers to evolve behaviors based on empirical data, such as from sensor data or databases...
techniques for the distinguishing of joke texts from non-jokes was described by Mihalcea and Strapparava (2006).
Takizawa et al. (1996) reported a heuristic
Heuristic
Heuristic refers to experience-based techniques for problem solving, learning, and discovery. Heuristic methods are used to speed up the process of finding a satisfactory solution, where an exhaustive search is impractical...
program of detecting puns in Japanese language
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
.
Applications
A possible application for the assistance in language acquisitionLanguage acquisition
Language acquisition is the process by which humans acquire the capacity to perceive, produce and use words to understand and communicate. This capacity involves the picking up of diverse capacities including syntax, phonetics, and an extensive vocabulary. This language might be vocal as with...
is described in the section "Pun generation". Another envisioned use of joke generators is in cases of steady supply of jokes where quantity is more important than quality. Another obvious, yet remote, direction is automated joke appreciation.
It is known that humans interact with computers in ways similar to interacting with other humans that may be described in terms of personality, politeness, flattery, and in-group favoritism. Therefore the role of humor in human-computer interaction is being investigated. In particular, humor generation in user interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
to ease communications with computers was suggested.
Craig McDonough implemented the Mnemonic Sentence Generator, which converts password
Password
A password is a secret word or string of characters that is used for authentication, to prove identity or gain access to a resource . The password should be kept secret from those not allowed access....
s into humorous sentences. Basing on the incongruity theory of humor, it is suggested that the resulting meaningless but funny sentences are easier to remember. For example, the password AjQA3Jtv is converted into "Arafat joined Quayle's Ant, while TARAR Jeopardized thurmond's vase".
Related research
John Allen PaulosJohn Allen Paulos
John Allen Paulos is a professor of mathematics at Temple University in Philadelphia who has gained fame as a writer and speaker on mathematics and the importance of mathematical literacy...
is known for his interest in mathematical foundations of humor. His book Mathematics and Humor: A Study of the Logic of Humor demonstrates structures common to humor and formal sciences (mathematics, linguistics) and develops a mathematical model of jokes based on catastrophe theory
Catastrophe theory
In mathematics, catastrophe theory is a branch of bifurcation theory in the study of dynamical systems; it is also a particular special case of more general singularity theory in geometry....
.
See also
- SnowcloneSnowcloneA snowclone is a type of cliché and phrasal template originally defined as "a multi-use, customizable, instantly recognizable, time-worn, quoted or misquoted phrase or sentence that can be used in an entirely open array of different variants"....
- Phrasal templatePhrasal templateA phrasal template is a phrase-long collocation that contains one or several empty slots which may be filled by words to produce individual phrases. Often there are some restrictions on the grammatic category of the words allowed to fill particular slots...
- Theory of humor
- World's funniest joke#Other findings
Further reading
- "Computational humor", by Binsted, K.; Nijholt, A.; Stock, O.; Strapparava, C.; Ritchie, G.; Manurung, R.; Pain, H.; Waller, A.; Oapos;Mara, D., IEEE Intelligent SystemsIEEE Intelligent SystemsIEEE Intelligent Systems, a bimonthly publication of the IEEE Computer Society. It is an AAAI-sponsored journal. Cosponsors are the British Computer Society and the European Coordinating Committee for Artificial Intelligence....
Volume 21, Issue 2, 2006, pp. 59 - 69 - O. Stock, C. Strapparava & A. Nijholt (eds.) "The April Fools' DayApril Fools' DayApril Fools' Day is celebrated in different countries around the world on April 1 every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness...
Workshop on Computational Humour." Proc. Twente Workshop on Language Technology 20 (TWLT20), ISSN 0929-0672, ITC-IRST, Trento, Italy, April 2002, 146 pp