This is a past public hangout

SAT, JUL 26, 6:00 PM UTC

Animal Communication

2-part podcast: https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat1 https://www.theallusionist.org/allusionist/lexicat2 Videos: Animal grammar playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4s09N3L2h2lYeVD6pmax3f7qiHxyq3k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1FY5kL_zXU (4:54) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYWSXRUGxDQ (7:42) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8LepYR8v9A (3:37) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktIgM1qN4Lo (3:51) Theory of Mind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTt-8QpWfJ4 (6:22) Questions: 1. How would you define animal communication? What distinguishes it from human communication? 2. How complex does a form of communication need to be before we can consider it a language? 3. Can animals understand human words with nuance and feeling? 4. Should it be easier for humans to learn simpler animal communication strategies than for animals to learn human vocabulary and, we imagine, syntax? Is the use of sign language, word boards and speech human centered privilege that actually prevents us from understanding animals better? 5. Is Theory of Mind necessary for language? 6. Do you think the experiments with apes were useful, or do they seem unethical to you? If they are unethical, are there any ways to ethically do experiments with animals? 7. Are there any animals, individuals or species, that you wish you could communicate with? What kind of conversations do you wish you could have?