[Sciotecha] Whale song reveals sophisticated language skills

[Frimlin]

[http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8886--whale-song-reveals-sophisticated-language-skills.html]

Humpback whales use their own syntax – or grammar – in the complex songs they sing, say researchers who have developed a mathematical technique to probe the mysteries of whale song

The team adds that whales are the only other animals beside humans to use hierarchical structure in language, in which phrases are embedded in larger, recurring themes.

This concept echoes scientific suggestions from the 1970s, but the new computer analysis claims to confirm this and provides an objective measure of the songs’ structure and complexity.

Male humpback whales produce songs that last anywhere from about six to 30 minutes. These vocalisations vary greatly across seasons, and during breeding periods they are thought to help attract female partners. Their eerie sound and patterns have captured the attention of marine biologists for decades.

Only part of the text from this article have been posted -- read more @ NewScientist.com.

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Posted by Frimlin to Sciotecha at 3/25/2006 12:34:00 AM