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New software will enable children who speak through computerised aids to tell their own jokes, it emerged.
The programme allows the youngsters to generate puns, helping them overcome language barriers. It has been developed by researchers at Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh universities and successfully trialled by eight pupils at a Glasgow school.
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• See examples of the jokes here
The system was created in response to research which found that computerised speech aids could restrict the development of a child's language skills as their speech tends to stick to the essentials and lacks spontaneity.
The software is known as The System to Augment Non-speakers' Dialogue Using Puns (Standup).
Existing software means that users do not become as fluent or adept at conversations as children who have no language limitations.
The new development, however, creates the opportunity for puns using dictionaries and information about words. This enables children to amuse family and friends with jokes such as: "What do you call a spicy missile? A hot shot."
Dr Graeme Ritchie, of Aberdeen University's department of computing science, said: "The software makes simple puns by looking for suitable patterns in the words and phrases which are available to it.
"In this project, the computer acts as a helper to the child, by letting them browse through joke forms and try out words and phrases."
Dr Annalu Waller, at Dundee University's school of computing, added: "This research shows the importance of providing individuals with novel language.
"It has been wonderful to see young people with complex communication needs taking ownership of puns and using them to take control of communication."
The three-year project is being funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
It is hoped the Standup system will be available for use by schools and therapists later this year.
Some examples of jokes generated by the software include:
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Reader comments (1)Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below?
We do not have to waste our cash on software to tell us jokes, no we
have HM Goverment to do that and we have already paid for it.
- Loris, Milano
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