In this respect, laughter sounds more like an animal call than human language. This theory is backed up by tests which show the part of the brain responsible for laughter is not the neocortex used in language, but an 'older' area we share with mammals.

Indeed, chimpanzees, gorillas and even rats all enjoy a good chortle, especially when being tickled. Just be careful when you tickle a gorilla, or you might end up laughing on the other side of your face… (Did you laugh at that gag? Or did it just make you groan?)

词汇表 rib-tickling 令人捧腹大笑的

hilarious 滑稽的

giggle 咯咯地笑

neuroscientist 神经科学家

split your sides 笑裂腰身，笑破肚皮

social bond 社会关系

non-threatening 不具威胁性的

non-verbal 非语言的

wheeze 发出喘息声

snort 用鼻子哼

heightened emotion 高度激动的情绪

back up 证实，有证据支持

neocortex 大脑新皮层

chortle 哈哈大笑

laugh on the other side of your face （口语比喻）转喜为忧、乐极生悲

gag 玩笑、俏皮话

groan 哼了一声

测验与练习 1.  阅读课文并回答问题。

1. Why do we laugh so much when we're with others?

2. How is laughing unlike speaking?

3. If I tell a bad joke does it make you split your sides or groan?

【Why do we laugh? 为什么我们会笑？】相关文章：

★ It takes two to tango 一个巴掌拍不响

★ 在伦敦的大学

★ Zika virus, Rare whale filmed in Australia 寨卡病毒传播风险，澳大利亚拍到罕见鲸鱼影像

★ Sea otters ahead of dolphins in using tools 海獭学会使用工具的时间早于海豚

★ At the drop of a hat 毫不犹豫地

★ Are you addicted to your phone? 你是不是玩手机上瘾了？

★ Reunion? Count me out! 重聚? 别算上我!

★ It's on the cards 这件事十有八九会发生

★ London's taxi test, pollution-fighting pigeons 伦敦新出租送极地测试、人们利用鸽子对抗环境污染

★ Greetings after a short break 小别后的问候