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No Longer Gibberish: Research by MIT
Deciphering the Sperm Whale’s Secret Language with Machine Learning
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (MIT CSAIL) and Project CETI have made a groundbreaking discovery in cetacean communication, unveiling a hidden “alphabet” within sperm whale vocalisations. Published under the title “Contextual and Combinatorial Structure in Sperm Whale Vocalizations,” the study sheds light on the complexity of whale codas and their linguistic functions (TechCrunch). Leveraging machine learning technologies, the team analysed a dataset of 8,719 sperm whale codas collected off Dominica’s coast, revealing a systematic structure in these vocalisations.
Unveiling the Phonetic Alphabet of the Deep
Through meticulous analysis, researchers identified a set of rhythmic, tempo, and ornamental features that form the basis of the sperm whale’s unique communication system. This newfound understanding suggests a level of sophistication previously unrecognised in marine mammal communication. Inspired by the pioneering work of marine biologist Roger Payne, the team’s findings highlight the parallels between sperm whale vocalisations and human language, hinting at a deeper connection between species than previously thought.
Charting New Waters in Cetacean Linguistics
While the discovery of the sperm whale “alphabet” marks a significant milestone, researchers emphasise the need for further exploration. By delving into the communication systems of other whale species, such as humpbacks, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of marine mammal language and gain insights into the evolution of communication across different species. This is especially true as many migratory routes of whales and dolphins straddle and criss-cross the Pacific Ocean. A better understanding of how they communicate may
Source: TechCrunch
*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
