Whale Songs Mirror Human Language Patterns

Recent research led by Professor Inbal Arnon from the Hebrew University reveals that humpback whale songs exhibit structural similarities to human language, Earth.com reported. By analyzing eight years of whale recordings near New Caledonia, scientists found recurring sound patterns akin to spoken words, suggesting whales may create phrases with internal boundaries.

Utilizing methods from baby language studies, researchers identified distinct sound units in whale songs, raising questions about how these animals perceive and learn complex calls. The study highlights cultural transmission, as humpback whales learn and adapt songs within communities, akin to human communication.

While experts acknowledge that whale song lacks semantic meaning, they see potential parallels between whale melodies and human music. The findings challenge traditional views of human uniqueness in language evolution and suggest that understanding whale communication could enhance conservation efforts. The study, published in Science, opens new avenues for exploring animal cognition and the evolution of complex signals.