South Africa has secured its place as one of the funniest nations globally, coming in at 19th in a comprehensive survey conducted by Remitly, a leading digital financial services provider.
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The study aimed to uncover the humour styles of individuals from across the globe, assessing how we use laughter and wit in our everyday lives.
Sparking joy and laughter is not merely a trivial pursuit; for South Africans, humour is an integral part of daily interactions. The nation has outperformed renowned comedic cultures such as Norway, Sweden, and even the United States. This is a testament to the richness of South Africa’s diverse cultural landscape, where humour serves as a tool for connection and understanding.
Conducted with over 6,000 participants from 31 different countries, the survey employed a concise version of the Humour Styles Questionnaire, developed by psychologist Dr. Rod Martin.
Respondents were evaluated on their use of various humour styles, including:
- Affiliative: Aiming to please others and foster connections.
- Self-enhancing: Using humour to cope with stress.
- Aggressive: Humour that is sharp and often at the expense of others.
- Self-defeating: Making oneself the butt of jokes to gain acceptance.
This detailed analysis provided insights not only into South Africa’s humour ranking but also into how humour manifests in everyday encounters, from easing awkward moments to forging bonds with strangers.
At the pinnacle of humour was the Czech Republic, celebrated for its subtle, clever comedic nuances filled with irony and sarcasm. Portugal followed closely, showcasing a warm and witty humour that effectively diffuses tension. In third place was Ireland, acclaimed for its rich storytelling and friendly, engaging comedic style.
Belgium’s knack for dry humour landed it in fourth place, while Chile and Greece shared the fifth slot, each bringing their unique flavour of family-oriented emotional expressiveness and self-deprecation, respectively.
The United Kingdom, revered for its characteristic dry wit, took 18th place, while the United States lagged behind at 29th, reflecting its tendency towards self-enhancing humour in coping mechanisms.
As Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly explained that, ‘Humour is often the first bridge between people, especially when you’re navigating a new country or culture,’
He emphasised that understanding local humour styles fosters quicker connections and relationships, vital for expats, digital nomads, and anyone working across borders.
To view the full data from the study visit https://www.remitly.com/gb/en/landing/worlds-funniest-nations
Article shared by Cape Town ETC.
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Feature Image: Freepik
