Bloggers in Africa have are having a riotous time writing tongue-in-

cheek articles with headlines like: Africa to send troops, food parcels to UK as riots spread. I came across an article by Ndesanjo Macha sharing African perspectives on the riots in the UK with a good dose of humour. However, one blogger, Nana Wireko, reminds us about the unpleasant things the British press were saying in the run up to the South African World Cup saying: “When your neighbor is down, don’t kick him but rather help lift him up. The UK press should take a cue from this. It’s a lesson. A very important one!”

 Many people ask whether humour travels – sometimes it does, but more often than not it gets seasick on the way. Here are 10 things to consider on the topic of intercultural humour:

1. Humour gets rather seasick when it travels! Don’t be surprised if foreigners don’t laugh at your jokes
2. Each culture has its own sense of humour. Be aware of the types of humour appreciated by various cultures; irony, slapstick, linguistic, etc.
3. Some cultures have humour that seems infantile to others, or even grotesque!
4. Most cultures have a ‘type’ or a nation who are the butt of their jokes. Ask about that when you are on your travels.
5. Humour can be about nuances which are too subtle for other cultures
6. Humour often involves wordplay and colloquialisms
7. Different cultures have preferences for humorous topics; family, mother-in-law, politics, religion, sexist, blondes, etc. Be aware that what is acceptable in one culture is often very offensive in another. Listen and learn!
8. Some cultures use humour to diffuse tense situations
9. The ability to laugh at oneself is appreciated in some people, but astonishes others. How can you belittle yourself?
10. Don’t start your business presentation with a joke unless you are certain this is acceptable.  Many cultures believe it shows disrespect and demeans the event.