Animal Communication: Big Talkers and Small Talk

Animal Communication: Big Talkers and Small Talk

Vocal tract resonances, known as formants, are important perceptual cues for the identification of human speech and animal calls. A recent study shows that monkeys can also use formants to determine the age and size of the monkey producing a call.

Big talk, Small talk. A crucial but neglected knowledge management activity

Small Talk: Identifying communication problems in maltreated children.

Development of speech and language is rapid in early years, yet if developmental problems in speech and language are not addressed they are likely to continue and impact negatively on a child's overall development and their life trajectory. Children who have experienced abuse and or neglect are particularly vulnerable. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to assist in identifying a child...

Small Talk Cell-to-Cell Communication in Bacteria

In a process called quorum sensing, groups of bacteria communicate with one another to coordinate their behavior and function like a multicellular organism. A diverse array of secreted chemical signal molecules and signal detection apparatuses facilitate highly productive intra- and interspecies relationships.

Animal communication, animal minds, and animal language

The communication systems of nonhuman animals are reviewed, together with a discussion of their relevance for the evolution of human language. The teaching of language to nonhumans, as well as signs of mind and consciousness outside our species, are considered as possible bridges between us and the rest of the animal kingdom.