But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
Episode: Why Can’t Animals Talk to Us?
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Host: Jane Lindholm and Melody Beaudet
Guest: Eric Kirschenbaum, Zoologist at the University of Cambridge
Book Mentioned: Why Animals? The New Science of Animal Communication by Eric Kirschenbaum

Introduction

In this engaging episode of But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids, hosts Jane Lindholm and Melody Beaudet delve into the intriguing question posed by young listeners: "Why can’t animals talk to us?" The episode explores the complexities of animal communication, distinguishing it from human language, and features insights from zoologist Eric Kirschenbaum.

Understanding Communication vs. Language

The episode begins with an explanation of the fundamental difference between communication and language.

• Melody Beaudet: "Do animals have language and do they communicate? And are those the same thing?" (02:44)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Communication is not the same as language. All animals communicate... But language, what humans do when we speak, it's really different... a lot more complicated." (02:56)

Key Points:

• Communication: All animals engage in various forms of communication, such as smells, sounds, visual cues, and body language.
• Language: Human language is highly complex, allowing for the expression of a vast array of ideas and emotions, which is not mirrored in animal communication systems.

Why Humans Developed Language

The discussion shifts to why humans are unique in their ability to develop language.

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "We probably started living in very large groups... you got to communicate... you need to have some way to convey complex information." (06:02)

• Melody Beaudet: "Why do we think we needed language as humans?" (07:33)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "We evolved big brains, and then language sort of slipped in because we had big brains and we could benefit from language." (07:38)

Key Points:

• The evolution of language is linked to the social structures of early humans.
• Living in large groups necessitated more sophisticated forms of communication.
• The development of larger brains facilitated the emergence of complex language.

The Role of Sound in Animal Communication

Exploring why sound is a predominant mode of communication among animals.

• Melody Beaudet: "Why is sound such an important component of communication?" (08:37)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Sound has a special ability... it goes around things so light doesn't... sound moves very quickly." (09:05)

Key Points:

• Sound vs. Other Communication Forms: Sound can travel around obstacles and is faster than chemical signals like smells.
• Efficiency: Quick transmission of information is crucial for survival, making sound an effective communication tool.

Interspecies Communication

The episode highlights instances where different species communicate with each other.

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "It happens sometimes... for example, the drongo and meerkats... the drongo makes a meerkat alarm call to scare them away and eat the food." (13:41)

Key Points:

• Rare Occurrences: Interspecies communication is uncommon but can occur under specific circumstances.
• Example: The drongo bird mimics meerkat alarm calls to exploit their behavior for its own benefit.

Parrots and Mimicry

A focused discussion on parrots' ability to mimic human speech.

• Featured Questions:

  • "How can parrots talk but other animals can't?" (Clara, 6, Seattle)
  • "How are some birds able to talk but others cannot?" (Alix, 11, Los Angeles)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Parrots copy. They love to copy... Some parrots can learn not just to copy, but to speak with us... they can understand what words are and how to combine them." (21:17)

• Melody Beaudet: "But you're saying some parrots can actually understand what a cracker is..." (22:53)

Key Points:

• Mimicry: Parrots excel at copying sounds, including human speech.
• Understanding: Some parrots may grasp the meaning behind words, enabling rudimentary communication beyond mere imitation.
• Training: Teaching parrots to speak requires significant effort and reinforces their ability to associate sounds with meanings.

Dolphins and Advanced Communication

Examining the sophisticated communication skills of dolphins.

• Evelyn's Question: "How do dolphins know what we're saying?" (Evelyn, 5)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Dolphins can understand word order and associate sounds with ideas... they give themselves names to recognize each other." (24:40)

Key Points:

• Cognitive Abilities: Dolphins can comprehend complex instructions and may possess individual identifiers akin to names.
• Challenges in Study: Their aquatic environment makes it difficult to fully understand their communication patterns.

Chimpanzees and Language Limitations

Addressing why chimpanzees, despite their close genetic relationship to humans, do not use human-like language.

• Maya and Tali's Question: "Since chimpanzees are so close to humans, why can't they speak our language?" (Maya, 10, Montreal; Tali, 7, Montreal)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "After the human and chimpanzee lineages split, language evolved only in humans, not in chimpanzees." (18:21)

Key Points:

• Evolutionary Pathways: Language development occurred solely in the human lineage after diverging from our common ancestor with chimpanzees.
• Environmental Factors: Changes in habitat and social structures influenced the evolution of language in humans but not in chimpanzees.

Wolves and Their Howls

A deep dive into the purposes behind wolf howling.

• Ella and Michael's Questions: "Why do wolves howl?" (Ella, 5, Israel; Michael, 7, Toronto)

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Wolves howl to show their territory, keep in touch with pack members, find mates, and simply because they enjoy it." (27:44)

Key Points:

• Territorial Claims: Howling serves as a warning to other wolves to stay away.
• Pack Coordination: It helps wolves communicate their location and maintain social bonds within the pack.
• Social Enjoyment: Howling can be a form of social interaction and reinforcement of group cohesion.

Human Fascination with Animal Communication

Exploring why humans are so intrigued by the idea of communicating with animals.

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Just because we're human, we want to understand the world... it's been an important idea since ancient times." (30:02)

• Jane Lindholm: "Understanding animal communication helps in conservation and ensuring their habitats are protected." (30:26)

Key Points:

• Curiosity: Humans have an innate desire to comprehend the behaviors and communications of other species.
• Conservation Efforts: Insights into animal communication can inform strategies to protect and preserve wildlife.

Practical Tips for Observing Animal Communication

The hosts offer advice for young listeners interested in studying animal communication.

• Jane Lindholm: "You could start by paying attention to the animals around you... observe your pets or wild animals and take notes." (30:26)

Key Points:

• Observation Skills: Encourage children to watch and listen to animals, noting patterns and behaviors.
• Engagement: Interacting with pets and observing wildlife can foster a deeper understanding of animal communication methods.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the importance of curiosity and understanding animal communication.

• Jane Lindholm: "That's it for this episode... stay curious." (33:00)

Final Thoughts: Understanding animal communication not only satisfies human curiosity but also plays a crucial role in conservation and improving our relationships with other species.

Notable Quotes:

• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Communication is not the same as language... a lot more complicated." (02:56)
• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Sound has a special ability... it goes around things so light doesn't." (09:05)
• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Parrots copy. They love to copy... they can understand what words are and how to combine them." (21:17)
• Eric Kirschenbaum: "Wolves howl to show their territory... and because they enjoy it." (27:44)
• Eric Kirschenbaum: "We're human, we want to understand the world... it's been an important idea since ancient times." (30:02)

Additional Resources:

• Book: Why Animals? The New Science of Animal Communication by Eric Kirschenbaum.
• Contact: Submit your questions for future episodes by recording them and emailing to questions@butwhykids.org.

Stay tuned to But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids for more answers to your fascinating questions about the world around us!