AI is helping to decode animals’ speech. Will it also let us talk with them?

Nature
Nature
4M ago
AI is advancing the understanding of animal communication, revealing complex vocalizations in species like bonobos and whales that challenge human language uniqueness.
AI is helping to decode animals’ speech. Will it also let us talk with them?
A What happened
Research into animal communication has revealed surprising complexities, particularly in species such as bonobos and whales. A study led by Mélissa Berthet observed bonobos in the Congo combining calls to form intricate phrases, suggesting a level of compositionality previously thought unique to humans. AI tools are increasingly employed to analyze and interpret these vocalizations, enabling researchers to uncover patterns that may indicate a form of language. For instance, sperm whales have been found to use a phonetic system with distinct sound patterns. This growing body of evidence challenges traditional definitions of language and raises questions about the cognitive abilities of non-human animals. While some features of human language remain unobserved in animals, the research suggests that the line between human and animal communication may be less distinct than previously believed.

Key insights

  • 1

    Bonobos' Complex Communication: Bonobos combine calls to create phrases, indicating advanced communication skills.

  • 2

    AI in Animal Communication: AI tools are enhancing the understanding of animal vocalizations and communication patterns.

  • 3

    Whale Phonetic Systems: Sperm whales exhibit a phonetic system with distinct sound patterns, akin to human language.

  • 4

    Challenging Language Definitions: Research questions the uniqueness of human language by highlighting animal communication complexities.

Takeaways

The ongoing research into animal communication continues to blur the lines between human and non-human language capabilities.

Topics

Science & Research Research

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