Humor convergence based on humor type: a quantitative study of L2 humor responses

Abstract Humor convergence, or responding to humor by adding a similar jocular response, is presumed to lead to positive affect and affiliation among interlocutors. L2 learners particularly could benefit from being able to join in on this co-construction of humor, as this would help them build bonds with target language speakers. However, research is lacking on whether convergence is common and effective for all kinds of humor, including self-deprecation and failed humor. This study examined the level at which 23 L2 French learners in a Dutch university converged to 18 fictitious messages which included various kinds of humor, including affiliative absurd irony, third-person sarcasm, jocular flattery, self-deprecation, offensive and incomprehensible humor. The study also analyzed L1 French speakers’ effectiveness ratings of the learners’ responses to the various humor types. Finally, it examined the correlation between humor convergence and effectiveness ratings to determine whether convergence is actually considered effective for all kinds of humor. The findings suggested that the type of humor had a large effect on the level of humor convergence, but more convergent responses were considered more effective for all kinds of humor, except offensive humor. Implications for researchers and educators are discussed.