Why can’t we understand Dolphins?
Discussion
People suspect that Dolphins communicate with each other verbally yet if they do we have no idea what they are saying. Why not? Humans that don’t share a common language don’t usually take long to learn each other’s language. We also have computing power to help us analyse what Dolphins are saying. Why aren’t we able to either work out what they are saying or conclude they don’t have language?
No frame of reference. With people using other languages, someone can pick up a rock, and say rock. Or a hammer drill, and call it a hammer drill.
But what do Dolphins talk about? Not the first idea. So it's an infinitely variable signal with no reference as to what it means. Hence we can't talk to dolphins.
But what do Dolphins talk about? Not the first idea. So it's an infinitely variable signal with no reference as to what it means. Hence we can't talk to dolphins.
bearman68 said:
No frame of reference. With people using other languages, someone can pick up a rock, and say rock. Or a hammer drill, and call it a hammer drill.
But what do Dolphins talk about? Not the first idea. So it's an infinitely variable signal with no reference as to what it means. Hence we can't talk to dolphins.
I see your point but human babies seem able to pick up human languages from watching other humans speaking (most have interaction from parents but I don’t think that is necessary and even children that are neglected learn to speak, although their development can be affected).But what do Dolphins talk about? Not the first idea. So it's an infinitely variable signal with no reference as to what it means. Hence we can't talk to dolphins.
bearman68 said:
But what do Dolphins talk about?
I suppose it depends where they come from, for example:UK Coast - 'Wet and cold again today'
Australian Coast - 'Watch out for the bloody sharks'
Japanese Coast - 's
t, is that a fishing boat?'Florida Coast - 'You might think it's a killer whale, but don't worry it's just a fat bloke'
Indian Coast - 'Cor that fish curry swam straight through me'
anonymous said:
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Have you seen "Arrival?".The moment we start talking with dolphins using a meep-squeak-burble translator, the Trumpist fundamentalists will be wanting to blow them up for being in league with the devil.
The dolphins know this, obviously, and are wisely keeping out of it.
The Wookie said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
To be fair the day a dolphin puts me in an air tank, plays squeaking noises over a tannoy and presents me with a selection of buttons, I'll consider them more intelligent than us. I'll also be scared.
Halmyre said:
Fish! Fish! Fish! Give me a fish! I want fish! Where's the fish? Fish! Fish! Fish! Show me the fish! Fish. Fish. Fish. Where can I get some fish? Is that a fish over there? Fish! Fish! Fish! I couldn't half murder a fish right now. Fish! Fish! Fish!
I'm pretty sure dolphins are one of the few species to enjoy sex for the sake of it as well. So no doubt, there would be some "Pwhoor would you look at the flipper on that. Oi love, do you wanna ride in my wake, I'll show you my fish...nudge nudge"Munter said:
Halmyre said:
Fish! Fish! Fish! Give me a fish! I want fish! Where's the fish? Fish! Fish! Fish! Show me the fish! Fish. Fish. Fish. Where can I get some fish? Is that a fish over there? Fish! Fish! Fish! I couldn't half murder a fish right now. Fish! Fish! Fish!
I'm pretty sure dolphins are one of the few species to enjoy sex for the sake of it as well.
eharding said:
Munter said:
I'm pretty sure dolphins are one of the few species to enjoy sex for the sake of it as well.
Unlikely, otherwise the ugly dolphins would have invented alcohol by now.Gassing Station | Science! | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff