Dim jôc! Researchers launch study into whether Welsh speakers really have a different sense of humour

By RICHARD MARSDEN, GENERAL REPORTER and GLYN BELLIS Published: 15:50, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 15:50, 4 August 2026 Welsh jokes are renowned for being ‘dry, quirky and sometimes a bit grim’ – now a study is investigating whether speakers of the language do indeed have a different sense of humour. Researchers will test whether people who speak Welsh as a first language experience and create humour differently from those whose first language is English. The study will recruit participants from Wales who will complete a series of online tasks and answer questions about how they ‘understand, appreciate and create’ humour in their daily lives. Dr Gil Greengross, Principal Investigator and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Aberystwyth University, said: ‘Humour touches almost every aspect of our lives, from friendships and family relationships to the way we cope with challenges and connect with our communities.  Research will test if those who speak Welsh as a first language experience humour differently Aberystwyth University's say the study is a 'unique opportunity to explore how language shapes the way we think, communicate and connect with others’ 'Yet despite decades of research on bilingualism, very little attention has been given to how language influences our sense of humour. ‘We are interested in whether switching between Welsh and English influences how people appreciate jokes, create humorous ideas and use humour in everyday situations.  'The findings could not only tell us more about the psychology of humour, but also about the wider social and cognitive benefits of living with two languages.’ The researchers will be at the National Eisteddfod in North Pembrokeshire this week where they will begin recruiting participants from across Wales. Dr Hanna Binks from Aberystwyth University, who is the co-investigator on the project, added: ‘Language is closely linked to identity, culture and emotional expression. ‘Welsh speakers regularly move between two languages, and we want to understand whether that influences how they perceive and use humour. ‘This research will deepen our understanding of bilingualism whilst also highlighting the cultural significance of humour within Welsh-speaking communities. ‘It offers a unique opportunity to explore how language shapes the way we think, communicate and connect with others.’ Previous research has suggested that as well as social advantages being bilingual can bring benefits including enhanced attention and memory.