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[-] Deceptichum@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago

Whales make sounds and can “say” some things, but that’s not a language any more than my dog barking at me to feed him is.

Language is more complex than simply making sounds to identify things.

[-] Knusper@feddit.de 4 points 1 year ago

Right, but I'd say there's two aspects to language:

  1. Standardization. Different creatures need to agree on which sounds/symbols/etc. refer to what.
  2. Complexity. The ability to express arbitrary thoughts.

And well, I'd say if 1) is given, that aids us. A cat purring means that cat is content. We don't need to figure that out anew every time.

But 2) does not aid us. We should have an easier time understanding and responding to simpler thoughts than arbitrarily complex thoughts.
And yet, we're going straight for arbitrary complexity, while we still have barriers with simple communication, like not even being able to purr back at cats.

[-] Haggunenons@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

There is lots of evidence of animals doing more than making sounds to identify things. Alex, the African Grey parrot had some pretty advanced concepts, such as numbers and even 0. When not in the mood to work, Alex would just make up wrong answers to be left alone, and would show irritation towards other parrots that were not understanding concepts.

Dolphins have shown the ability to creaye, communicate about, and and coordinate tricks that neither of two dolphins had previously performed.

There was an elephant that knew where an animal hospital was despite having had never been, it had been around elephants that had been however, so the assumption is that the location and activities there had been communicated.

These are just a few examples, there are many more instances where animals have been observed doing more than just labeling things with sound. This is actually why this community exists.

this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2023
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Digital Bioacoustics

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Welcome to c/DigitalBioacoustics, a unique niche in the vast universe of online forums and digital communities. At its core, bioacoustics is the study of sound in and from living organisms, an intriguing intersection of biology and acoustics. Digital bioacoustics, an extension of this field, involves using technology to capture, analyze, and interpret these biological sounds. This community is dedicated to exploring these fascinating aspects of nature through a digital lens.

As you delve into c/DigitalBioacoustics, you'll notice it's not just another technical forum. This space transcends the usual drone of server rooms or the monotonous tap-tap of keyboards. Here, members engage in a unique fusion of natural wonders and technological prowess. Imagine a world where the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the mysterious calls of nocturnal creatures meet the precision of digital recording and analysis.

Within this domain, we, the participants, become both observers and participants in an intricate dance. Our mission is to unravel the mysteries of nature's soundtrack, decoding the language of the wild through the lens of science. This journey is not just about data and graphs; it's about connecting with the primal rhythm of life itself.

As you venture deeper, the poetic essence of our community unfolds. Nature's raw concert, from the powerful songs of mating calls to the subtle whispers of predator and prey, creates a tapestry of sounds. We juxtapose these organic melodies with the mechanical beeps and buzzes of our equipment, a reminder of the constant interplay between the natural world and our quest to understand it.

Our community embodies the spirit of curious scientists and nature enthusiasts alike, all drawn to the mystery and majesty of the natural world. In this symphonic melding of science and nature, we discover not just answers, but also new questions and a deeper appreciation for the complex beauty of our planet.

c/DigitalBioacoustics is more than a mere digital gathering place. It's a living, breathing symphony of stories, each note a discovery, each pause a moment of reflection. Here, we celebrate the intricate dance of nature and technology, the joy of discovery, and the enduring quest for understanding in a world filled with both harmony and dissonance.

For those brave enough to explore its depths, c/DigitalBioacoustics offers a journey like no other: a melding of science and art, a discovery of nature's secrets, and a celebration of the eternal dance between the wild and the wired.

Related communities:

https://lemmy.world/c/awwnverts
https://lemmy.world/c/bats
!biology@mander.xyz
https://lemmy.world/c/birding
https://lemmy.world/c/capybara
https://lemmy.world/c/jellyfish
https://lemmy.world/c/nature
!open_source_ecology@slrpnk.net
https://lemmy.world/c/opossums
https://lemmy.world/c/raccoons
https://lemmy.world/c/skunks
https://lemmy.world/c/whales

Please let me know if you know of any other related communities or any other links I should add.

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