This podcast episode explores the fascinating world of whale communication. It discusses the breakthrough discovery of how whales communicate, starting with the realization in the 1960s that whales make sounds. The episode highlights the discovery of humpback whale songs in Bermuda, which had a significant cultural impact and led to increased protections for whales. The significance of whale songs in preventing whale extinction is also explored, along with the ongoing question of their meaning. The episode then delves into the research conducted by computer scientists and whale biologists to analyze and decipher the codas of sperm whales. The discovery of new patterns and behaviors in sperm whale communication suggests the existence of a potential sperm whale phonetic alphabet. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of appreciating non-human forms of language and the ongoing research efforts to gain a better understanding of whale communication.
