Conveying the Perception of Humor Arising from Ambiguous Grammatical Constructs in Human-Chatbot Interaction

Abstract

Chatbots have long been advocated for computer-assisted language learning systems to support learners with conversational practice. A particular challenge in such systems is explaining mistakes stemming from ambiguous grammatical constructs. Misplaced modifiers, for instance, do not make sentences ungrammatical, but introduce ambiguity through the misplacement of an adverb or prepositional phrase. In certain cases, the ambiguity gives rise to humor, which can serve to illustrate the mistake itself. We conducted an online experiment with 400 native English speakers to explore the use of a chatbot to harness such humor. In an interaction resembling an advanced grammar exercise, the chatbot presented participants with a phrase containing a misplaced modifier, explained the ambiguity in the phrase, acknowledged (or ignored) the humor that the ambiguity gave rise to, and suggested a correction. Participants then completed a questionnaire, rating the chatbot with respect to ten traits. A quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in how participants rated the chatbot's personality, humor, and friendliness when it acknowledged the humor arising from the misplaced modifier. This effect was observed whether the acknowledgment was conveyed using verbal, nonverbal (emoji), or mixed cues.

A systematic review on cross-culture, humor and empathy dimensions in conversational chatbots: the case of second language acquisition

“…(2013) An arrtificial conversational companion To aid advanced language learners in practicing communication through instant messenger discussions 13 participants of German learners Need to make the machine seem clever or amusing while maintaining its courteous manner Dokukina and Gumanova (2020) Vasya To teach English via textual instruction and both auditory and visual practice N/A Vasya is an excellent tool for English language learners at the elementary level, but it is not enough for those at the intermediate or advanced levels. Farah et al. (2021) An ambiguous chatbot To investigate the usage of a chatbot to help learners' conversational practice with such humor 400 participants Quantitative research revealed that participant ratings of the chatbot's personality, wit, and friendliness increased significantly when it recognized the humor resulting from the misplaced modifier Freidkin and Ksenofontova (2021) Telegram-bot “Pardes” To increase cognitive activity among students of Hebrew as a foreign language 1000 students from Israel Lexical competence is enhanced by the introduction via translation, voicing, explanation, drilling, and controlling the process of vocabulary skills Gayathri (2021) Automatic mega-agent managed user guide (AMMU) To utilize AMMU to Improve speaking abilities and lessen speaking anxiety N/A AMMU not only enables users to connect with one another verbally but also enhances their listening skills Goga et al.…”

“…The inclusion of humor in the course material increased students' engagement with the material. Humorous components have a crucial function in aiding students' recollection, enabling discovery, leading them to other sources, supporting the sharing of information with others, promoting self-regulation, requiring cognitive effort, and facilitating learning ( Farah et al., 2021 ). In this systematic review, two approaches are used in the studies of conversational chatbots to enhance learners’ learning outcomes: knowledge base and humorous response.…”

“…Two studies have integrated humor algorithms in L2 chatbots to improve language learning (see Table 5 ). Farah et al. (2021) integrated a humorous algorithm into an L2 chatbot which entails ambiguous grammatical constructs, misplaced modifiers, to harness humor for L2 learners during their study.…”

“…(2017) An anthropomorphic pedagogical agent Funny virtual character Danilava et al. (2013) An Artificial Conversational Companion Need to make the system humorous Liang (2012) Virtual world ​Second Life humorous communication Knowledge Base Farah et al. (2021) An ambiguous chatbot Make use of the humor that may be derived from ambiguous grammatical constructions in order to bolster anthropomorphic impressions of characteristics.…”

“…Existing computational humor studies primarily comprise of the computer generation of small subclasses of humor ( Farah et al., 2021 ). For instance, the use of virtual social chatbots attempts to mimic the style of human interaction to prevent frustration in a more natural and more enjoyable way ( Hong et al., 2014 ); and the use of automatic humor recognition techniques as a medical assistant by focusing on a humorous or satirical approach to get patients engaged ( Fadhil and Schiavo, 2019 ).…”