Animal Alphabets

Big Picture Science

Have scientists discovered an alphabet in whale calls? As researchers try to decipher the series of clicks made by sperm whales, we ask whether these cetaceans might have language, and if it follows that whales are thinking animals too. Could we one day get a peek into the thoughts of a humpback whale? Meanwhile, somewhere along the long path of evolution, one species emerged with an impressive gift for gab. Are speech and language unique human superpowers?

Guests:

Carl Zimmer – Columnist, The New York Times, including the article, “Scientists Find an ‘Alphabet’ in Whale Songs”. (gift article)

Ev Fedorenko – Cognitive neuroscientist, director of the EV Lab, MIT

Tecumseh Fitch – Evolutionary biologist at the University of Vienna

Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake

You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support!

Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact [e-mail] to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices