Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition)
Ruff translation, part one: do animals have language?
Feb 12, 2025
Join Robert Berwick, a computational linguist from MIT, Federico Rossano, a cognitive science expert at UC San Diego, and Abby Bertics, a researcher specializing in non-human intelligence. They dive into the fascinating world of animal communication, comparing it to human language. The conversation explores whether animals possess their own languages and challenges our understanding of communication across species. Discover how AI could help decode these complex signals, reshaping our view of intelligence in the animal kingdom.
44:17
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the ongoing debate about whether language is a unique cognitive ability of humans or a shared trait among species.
- Advancements in AI are enhancing research into animal communication, especially focusing on domesticated pets' understanding of language-like associations.
Deep dives
The Significance of Language in Human Achievement
Language is a fundamental achievement that has enabled humans to excel in cooperation and shared knowledge. This collective success has led to profound societal advancements and innovations across various disciplines. The exploration into language also raises questions about the communication capabilities of animals, prompting research into whether animals possess their own forms of language. This inquiry attempts to challenge long-held perceptions of human superiority in linguistic abilities.
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