Similar to many other lively pleasures, humor can only be experienced if it resonates with a person. Without some kind of understanding, there cannot be any kind of reaction. Only once an outlandish statement, an inappropriate remark, or an unexpected situation is remotely understood will a person be able to label it as comical or sober. Since there are billions of people around the world with their own language, including their own idioms and euphemisms, the old saying "there is truth in every joke" applies to each culture individually. Introduction Emma Jameson, a new and popular author, describes the relationship between humor and culture by noting that “the spirit of a nation is linked to the historical development of the country. . . So humor is something that is not always transferable to another country.” While many agree with Jameson, an argument emerges that describes the differences between British culture and the American melting pot. Since American ancestors brought the English language from their homeland of Great Britain, many critics believe that there cannot be too many differences within the language. Indeed, English speakers in America clearly differ from British speakers in tone, manner of speaking, and expression. Since the language differs in these ways based on its local usage, it is understandable why the humor of the two countries also differs. Obvious American slap-stick and frank British irony differ between their individual standards, just like their versions of the English language, and continue to change over time. Compared to the humor used by the original Hollywood actors in the early 1950s, the comedies we see on television today have changed dramatically. The transformation of... medium of paper... Bonanza." TV.com., nd Web. April 23, 2014. Brain, Marshall. "HowStuffWorks. Com, 01 Apr 2000. Web. 17 Apr 2014. Deacon, Michael. A bad comedy from a very good comedian." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 22 September 2013. Web. 23 April 2014. Jameson, Emma. "English humor versus American humour: is there a difference?" Lessiophiles. Lexiophiles, 29 October 2009. Web. 18 April 2014. "Modern family | TV Review | Plugged In." Modern Family | TV Review | Plugged In. Focus on Family Plugged In, nd Web. April 23, 2014. Taflinger, Richard F. "Richard Taflinger Home Page." Richard Taflinger Home Page. Washington State University, nd Web. April 23, 2014. “What is a sitcom? - Features - British Comedy Guide. "What is a sitcom? - Features - British Comedy Guide. British Comedy Guide, January 2006. Web. 16 April. 2014.