Growing up with English as my second language, I often find it hard to understand certain jokes. I struggle to understand the point of the joke, even if I know and understand each word being spoken. Over time, I have realised that it may be because I did not grow up around english speakers. I have learned that humor mostly depends on culture. For instance, easterners tend to not hold such a positive attitude toward humor as westerners do. In fact, westerners tend to joke and share a more positive attitude toward things, something that easterners do not really do.

Learning a new language is not just about mastering grammar or vocabulary, it’s also about understanding cultural references, puns, sarcasm and slang. These are the more unspoken parts of a language, that can’t always be translated.For instance, jokes based on wordplay might make perfect sense to a native speaker but feel completely random to someone who didn’t grow up with that kind of humor. Sarcasm, especially, can be very confusing, because people often say the opposite of what they mean—with a straight face. Learning humor is also part of language learning.

I sometimes feel left out in a group because I do not get the joke, like everyone has a secret code that I do not know. I still pretend that I get the joke and laugh but I do not get anything. But over time, by listening to daily conversations, I start  to feel included in the group again. I realize that the thing that makes them laugh is not just about the wordy, puns, it also could be their tone, or their facial expressions. I find joy in learning the small things that make people laugh, and it makes me feel like I am slowly becoming part of the community.