Can we talk to whales? Their brains are six times the size of ours and scientists think they are very clever. So some hope tech can get them talking.
AI could unlock secrets of ocean giants
Can we talk to whales? Their brains are six times the size of ours and scientists think they are very clever. So some hope tech can get them talking.
What's happening?
People have heard whalesong for hundreds of years. But it was only recently they worked out where it was coming from. Now, some scientists hope to talk to whales.
Sperm whalesThe largest of the toothed whales. They live in pods and can be up to 59 feet long. ' sounds, which are more like a series of clicks, are some of the closest to human language. Each group of sperm whales has a different set of clicks.
For some time now, scientists have hoped we might be able to translateChange words from one language to another. this language. But there is a problem.
Find out more
We can work out when the whales sing certain songs. But we cannot understand what they actually mean.
But all that could be about to change. One team of scientists thinks we can use AIA computer programme that has been designed to think. to find out the secrets of whale song. They call themselves the CetaceanAquatic, marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins and porpoises. Translation Initiative, or "CETI".
Can we talk to whales?
Yes! We know that sperm whales talk to each other. If we can work out what their words mean using AI, we should be able to talk to them.
No! Only human beings really have language. Whales might find ways to show their feelings, but it is not the same thing as a language. We will never really be able to speak to whales.
Keywords
Sperm whales - The largest of the toothed whales. They live in pods and can be up to 59 feet long.
Translate - Change words from one language to another.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
Cetacean - Aquatic, marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins and porpoises.
AI could unlock secrets of ocean giants
Glossary
Sperm whales - The largest of the toothed whales. They live in pods and can be up to 59 feet long.
Translate - Change words from one language to another.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
Cetacean - Aquatic, marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins and porpoises.