Editing Laughter (section)

== Communication ==

A number of studies using methods of [[conversation analysis]] and [[discourse analysis]] have documented the systematic workings of laughter in a variety of interactions, from casual conversations to interviews, meetings, and therapy sessions.<ref>Glenn, P., & Holt, E. (Eds) (2013). Studies of Laughter in Interaction. London: Bloomsbury.</ref> Working with recorded interactions, researchers have created detailed transcripts that indicate not only the presence of laughter but also features of its production and placement.
 
These studies challenge several widely held assumptions about the nature of laughter. Contrary to notions that it is spontaneous and involuntary, research documents that laughter is sequentially organized and precisely placed relative to surrounding talk. Far more than merely a response to humor, laughter often works to manage delicate and serious moments. More than simply an external behavior "caused" by an inner state, laughter is highly communicative and helps accomplish actions and regulate relationships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/09/25/916997530/laughter-the-best-medicine|title=Laughter: The Best Medicine|website=NPR.org|date=September 28, 2020}}</ref>