Different Types of Laughter

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Samantha Scheid Dr. Lewis Composition 101: Classification and Division, Topic 2. November 13, 2012 The Truth about Laughter Laughter is a natural occurrence. There is rarely a day that I do not laugh at least once and I am sure that I speak for everyone. Laughter does not only come from a happy place, it has many layers of diverse meanings behind it. It can be a sign of complete joy and amusement in one situation, while it could display a cruel and evil side in another. For this reason, I wanted to uncover the truth about five, of what I think are the most interesting, forms of laughter. Contagious Laughter Much like the spreading of a yawn, there is also an unknown source in the brain that when you hear laughter you will most likely laugh in response. Contagious laughter starts with a single person’s laughter and it builds until the whole room is laughing. When we hear laughter, the brain prepares the facial muscles to join in with the mirth. This is the reason behind our involuntary smiles when we witness others laughing. Whether you are softly chuckling or giggling so hard that you’re snorting, you are afflicting laughter upon others around you and you may not be able to stop chuckling until everyone else is ready to. Some situations where Contagious Laughter may be present: * At a comedy event. * When with family and/or friends. * While playing a group game. * Simply being in a silly mood and laughing at just about anything. Belly Laughter Have you ever laughed so hard that you were clutching your stomach, gasping for air and maybe even starting to cry? If so, then you have experienced the most honest type of laughter. Belly laughter is not only the most authentic type, but the hardest to experience. For you to find yourself in the mists of this pain wrenching laughter, you must have found something to be truly hilarious. It is not
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