As we’ve discussed on previous shows, one difficult aspect of learning a second language is adapting to humor that involves plays on words. They are also called puns.  The appropriate way to receive a pun when it is told is to pretend you didn’t think it was funny.  You may stare at the pun-teller or even let out a groan (unnnhh!).  We don’t want to give punsters credit for clever wordplay, but usually we end up smiling or even laughing.  Here is a clever wordplay that most Americans would chuckle over.  The question: is it funny to you? 

The importance of nonverbal communication goes without saying.

What's So Funny?

This joke involves a play on words that a friend of mine made at a meeting.  This joke plays on the fact that non-verbal communication uses no words, just facial expressions, hand gestures, etc.  The expression "goes without saying" means that everyone knows this and you don't have to mention it.