Sperm whale speech has human-like 'vowels'
5 days ago
- #animal-communication
- #sperm-whales
- #marine-biology
- Sperm whales have a sophisticated communication system with vocalizations similar to human vowels.
- Project CETI, led by Gašper Beguš, studies sperm whale communication off the coast of Dominica.
- Speeding up whale clicks revealed vowel-like sounds, increasing the complexity of their communication.
- Whales use a 'phonetic alphabet' of codas, with variations in tempo, rhythm, and ornamentation.
- Sperm whale clans have unique dialects and self-identifying codas, indicating complex social structures.
- Understanding the meaning behind whale communication requires more data and behavioral context.