Unexplainable
How to talk to aliens
Mar 26, 2025
Scientists explore how to communicate with potential alien civilizations. They discuss past attempts, like the Arecibo message, and the challenges of conveying meaning across vast distances. A linguist shares insights on how misunderstandings can arise, highlighting the complexities of interpreting messages in space. The concept of xenolinguistics is introduced, examining fundamental language components to aid interstellar communication. The conversation is filled with humor and imaginative perspectives on the ambitious quest for extraterrestrial intelligence.
26:57
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Quick takeaways
- Establishing communication with extraterrestrial life requires navigating significant linguistic and cultural assumptions that may differ vastly from human experiences.
- The study of xenolinguistics not only addresses outreach to aliens but also compels humanity to reflect on its own identity and societal values.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Messaging Extraterrestrials
Scientists have engaged in communicating with extraterrestrial life for decades, with notable efforts beginning in the 1970s. One of the earliest messages was the Arecibo message sent in 1974, which transmitted a binary-coded image including Earth’s position in the solar system and a depiction of human DNA. This message aimed to demonstrate communication capabilities, despite the long journey it would take to reach its destination and generate a potential response spanning thousands of years. Additionally, the Voyager missions in 1977 included gold-records featuring greetings in various languages and sounds representative of life on Earth, meant to drift into space, showcasing humanity without an expectation of contact.
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