On the Path to Understanding Whale and Crow Language: Artificial Intelligence Unlocks the Secrets of the Animal Kingdom

Efforts to translate animal languages with the help of AI are creating revolutionary possibilities in scientific research

In the deep blue darkness of the ocean, a giant sperm whale slowly approaches. Breaking the surrounding silence, it suddenly makes a sound—as if it is trying to say something. Far from shore, a hydrophone (an underwater microphone) attached to a buoy in the waters off Dominica is recording that sound. Excitedly, scientist Shane Gero says, “After nearly 20 years of observation, I’ve realized these whales use specific sounds among themselves. Just as humans exchange thoughts through language, they recognize each other through these sounds.”

Though this story might sound like science fiction, in reality, artificial intelligence (AI) can turn this imagination into truth. Recently, scientists around the world have been focusing extensively on trying to understand animal languages with the help of artificial intelligence.

Most people believe that animals have their own distinct languages. For a long time, Western scientists avoided making linguistic comparisons between humans and animals. But Christian Rutz, an ethologist studying the remarkable tool-making abilities of New Caledonian crows living in a remote island forest, believes, “Because of artificial intelligence, we are on the verge of a revolution in understanding animal communication systems.”

Recent research has shown that, besides tool-making, New Caledonian crows use different vocalizations to communicate among themselves, which are passed down through generations. Artificial intelligence may help to decipher the meanings of these language “dialects” or sublanguages.

“Once, Western scientists avoided such research out of fear of attributing human qualities to animals,” says science writer Karen Bakker. “But today, thanks to advances in technology and data, scientists have dared to explore this field.”

There are currently two major initiatives underway to understand language in the animal kingdom: Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) and the Earth Species Project. CETI is working to decode the language of sperm whales, while the Earth Species Project aims to understand the languages of various animals, including crows and zebra finches.

Translating animal language through artificial intelligence could also play a pivotal role in the conservation of endangered species. The Earth Species Project’s research into the language of Hawaiian crows may open up new horizons for animal conservation.

However, according to researchers, understanding meaning alone is not enough. Daniela Rus, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), says, “Even before fully understanding the structure, AI might be able to speak the language.” This raises new ethical questions, as being able to understand animal languages could lead to benefits as well as potential misuse.

Ultimately, this new potential of artificial intelligence could radically change not only our understanding of the animal world but also fundamentally shift our perspective of ourselves as humans. As Earth Species Project founder Aza Raskin says, “We are standing at the threshold of a time when we may be able to converse with animals—something we don’t fully comprehend yet. And that will mark the beginning of a unique chapter.”