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Communications: A Predictive Theory of Dolphin Communication

Michael Brecht (Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Tübingen, Germany)

Kybernetes

ISSN: 0368-492X

Article publication date: 1 January 1993

1076

Abstract

Presents a new theory about the communication structure used by ocean‐living odontocetes. Draws conclusions from eight biological singularities in dolphin communication found in empirical research but not yet put into a systematic context. They suggest the interpretation that in dolphin communication information is encoded by way of SOund PAttern VAriation. Discusses the formal prerequisites of this theory; negative and positive predictions are made. Interprets both the results of Bastian's communication experiment and the scouting behaviour observed in the wild as evidence that dolphins possess a highly developed SOund PAttern VAriation LAnguage (SOPAVALA). Complements this by examining considerations concerning the evolutionary process which may have made this development possible. Discusses characteristic features of the proposed new language structure and suggests how to decode successfully and understand a dolphin's SOPAVALA, should it exist.

Keywords

Citation

Brecht, M. (1993), "Communications: A Predictive Theory of Dolphin Communication", Kybernetes, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 39-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb005955

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1993, MCB UP Limited

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