The joking computer : an interactive language playground

A recent research project created a computer program (STANDUP) which young children could interact with in order to create their own novel jokes (riddles with puns in the answer). The aim of this was to provide an engaging environment for children to develop their linguistic knowledge. That software demonstrates the extent to which we can currently build computer models of the humour-making process, and also allows children to explore language (the sounds and meanings of words) in a playful and motivating way. The aim of the current proposal is to use this work as the basis of a public exhibit, suitable for science centres aimed at children (the Glasgow Science Centre is a partner in this). In this way, children will be able to explore language and humour in an engaging fashion, while also finding out about the mechanisms used in building computational models like this. As well as enhancing the software for this purpose, we will also use the program and the ideas involved in the research as the basis for interactive workshops (at science festivals and elsewhere) where children can find out more about the underlying science and engineering. Feedback will be collected at the workshops and in the science centres, allowing both evaluation of the exhibit and collection of data about the public perception of humour.