Scientists uncover a ‘phonetic alphabet’ in whale calls

Image credit: toddcravens via Unsplash

A recent study in the journal Nature Communications has revealed previously unknown complexity in whale communication. By analyzing thousands of recorded sequences of sperm whale clicks with artificial intelligence, researchers discovered what appears to be a ‘phonetic alphabet’ within the vocalizations of whales similar to human speech. This discovery could significantly enhance scientists’ understanding of how sperm whales and other animals communicate and encode information in their calls across vast ocean distances.

Source

“Scientists Say They’ve Discovered a ‘Phonetic Alphabet’ in Whale Calls.” CNN, Cable News Network, 13 May 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/05/13/world/whale-communication-coda-alphabet-scn/index.html.