In my talk, I will outline some of the cultural approaches to laughter and humour and suggest some ways in which we try to circumvent the communications that might arise in intercultural relationships in the academic world. I shall endeavour not to make sweeping statements and generalisations, and to avoid anecdotal evidence. However, since that is the stuff upon which this issue is built, with which it is reinforced, and without which it cannot persist... I make no promises.