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Individual differences in sarcasm interpretation and use: Evidence from the UK and China

Zhu, Ning; Filik, Ruth

Individual differences in sarcasm interpretation and use: Evidence from the UK and China Thumbnail


Authors

Ning Zhu

RUTH FILIK ruth.filik@nottingham.ac.uk
Associate Professor



Abstract

Sarcasm is commonly used in everyday language; however, little is currently known about cultural and individual differences in sarcasm interpretation and use, particularly across Western and Eastern cultures. To address these gaps in the literature, the present study investigated individual differences in sarcasm interpretation and use in the UK and China. Participants first rated literal and sarcastic comments regarding degree of perceived sarcasm, aggression, amusement, and politeness. They then completed tasks which assessed their theory of mind (ToM) ability, perspective taking ability, and sarcasm use tendency. The results showed that UK participants were more sarcastic than Chinese participants. In terms of interpretation, UK participants rated sarcasm as being more amusing and polite than literal criticism, whereas the Chinese data showed that sarcasm was rated as being more amusing but also more aggressive than literal criticism. ToM ability and perspective taking ability positively predicted sarcasm perception in both cultural groups, while the effects of ToM on other rating dimensions varied across cultures. Sarcasm use tendency negatively predicted perception of sarcasm and aggression in UK participants, whereas the opposite was found for Chinese participants. The decomposition of individual difference effects showed that different facets of interpretation and socio-emotional impact of sarcasm are differentially associated with different cultural and individual differences factors. From this, we propose that both cultural and individual differences factors modulate sarcasm interpretation and use: Participants from different cultures and with different traits may view sarcasm differently, which, in turn, affects their interpretation and use of sarcastic language.

Citation

Zhu, N., & Filik, R. (2023). Individual differences in sarcasm interpretation and use: Evidence from the UK and China. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 49(3), 445-463. https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0001227

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 27, 2022
Publication Date 2023-03
Deposit Date Jan 6, 2023
Publicly Available Date Jan 6, 2023
Journal Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition
Print ISSN 0278-7393
Electronic ISSN 1939-1285
Publisher American Psychological Association
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 49
Issue 3
Pages 445-463
DOI https://doi.org/10.1037/xlm0001227
Keywords Sarcasm interpretation, sarcasm use, theory of mind, cultural differences, perspective taking
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/15717556
Publisher URL https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2023-59228-001.html

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