In this episode, I talk with Cambridge zoologist Arik Kershenbaum about why communication evolved in animals and humans. We explore how social structure, status, needs, movement, distance, environment, emotions, sense of self and other, theory of mind, genetic relatedness, technology, ideas, words, language, and the senses shape the way we communicate.

We also discuss interspecies communication, pets, plants, gossip, names, autism, mental illness, other minds, information media (books, radio, etc.), language breakdown, variation in language abilities, fighting, isolation, and anthropomorphism.

Learn more about how wolves, dolphins, parrots, hyraxes, gibbons, chimpanzees, humans, and other species communicate in Arik’s latest book, Why Animals Talk.

RESOURCES

BOOKS

Alex and Me by Irene Pepperberg
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum
Why Animals Talk by Arik Kershenbaum

PAPERS

Epiphenomenal Qualia by Frank Jackson
What Is It Like to Be a Bat? by Thomas Nagel

PEOPLE

Connect and Learn More

Search "Arik Kershenbaum" to find his books, podcast interviews, TV appearances, and more.

Arik Kershenbaum: The Evolution of Communication in Animals and Humans | Episode 115