The master of wolves, the snake charmer, the hawk trainer and many other animal whisperers have always fascinated humans. The Grimm brothers tell of a flute player who knew how to attract rats. Even today, videos depicting relationships between humans and other species are still popular on the networks. Domestication clearly demonstrates a certain inter-species communication and understanding, but there are many other possible relationships besides domestication.
How do we communicate with our pets? How do wild animals perceive us? How is A.I. revolutionizing our understanding of animal language?
Humans don't just communicate with animals, they also communicate with each other. The warning calls of certain birds, or the sudden silence of amphibians at the approach of an animal, are indications that everyone can understand. Distress or intimidation calls are structurally quite similar among all animals. Will we eventually be able to understand the songs and dances of birds, insects, snakes and even the language of fish or the movements of insects? Have you ever smelled the sweet odor of flying ants at mating time? What games do seagulls play? Can we play them too?
In summer, we get out of the cities and into the countryside, forests and nature more often. We meet more animals, insects, birds... we can listen to them, try to understand them and make them understand us. Even without speaking, they can tell us about the state of their environment and their needs, and it's up to us to take sound advice from them.
Exploring the world from the angle of communication with animate beings makes us aware of our links with all living things, with so many positive effects.
Wishing you a wonderful summer
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
