NLP Oriented Japanese Pun Classification

In this paper we describe a phonetic classification of Japanese puns (dajare). Basing on real life examples gathered from available sources (books, Internet), we divided Japanese puns into 12 groups with numerous subgroups, according to phonetic changes that occur within them. This classification was prepared for the NLP purpose, i.e. to be used in humor processing. Its usefulness was shown in a research project, aimed at constructing a humor-equipped conversational system for Japanese.