animal linguistics

Animal linguistics is the scientific study of how animals communicate using sounds, gestures, and signals. It explores the structure, meaning, and complexity of animal vocalizations and behaviors, aiming to understand whether animals have language-like systems. Researchers analyze patterns, context, and potential shared meanings in animal communication to uncover cognitive abilities and social functions. This field bridges biology, psychology, and linguistics, providing insights into animal intelligence and evolution of communication, while also influencing conservation efforts and our understanding of the human language origins.