ABSTRACT
This essay moves from the idea of humour as a positive phenomenon and a translational challenge towards humour as an ambiguous force that casts translation (or non-translation) in many different political roles. There is no doubt that the creativity, positivity and social value of humour attract audiences and challenge translators; and humour translation is surely beneficial to many through increasing access and even as a coping strategy. However, this should not blind us to laughter’s darker side. We may therefore also want to study the role of translation with regard to questionable laughter, and the anticipation, outbreak and handling of laughter scandals. This epilogue formulates some modest proposals in this regard.
