Jokes computer programme launched online

A joke-generating computer programme created to help children with disabilities develop language skills has now been launched online.

University of Aberdeen scientists helped develop it several years ago.

The launch of the online version on the university’s website is aimed at allowing access to the technology around the world.

An example of one created joke is: “What do you get when you cross a frog with a road? A main toad.”

The software is known as The Joking Computer.

‘Christmas crackers’

It uses a large dictionary of language alongside language rules.

Dr Judith Masthoff, head of the University of Aberdeen’s department of computing science, said: “The aim of The Joking Computer is to help children and adults alike to explore language in a unique and fun way.

“All the jokes are question-answer puns, like those you get in Christmas crackers.

“The software allows you to see how the joke-making process works. Or you can choose roughly what sort of joke you want, and have the computer build a new one.

“The online tool will now allow people from across the world to try out the software and generate their very own jokes.”