Talking Prairie Dogs: New Language Discovered

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Hide!" or "Bark!"In summary, prairie dogs have a complex language and communication system where they have different words for various creatures (such as tall humans, short humans, coyotes, deer, and red-tailed hawks) and can even create new terms for unfamiliar objects. This was discovered by Con Slobodchikoff, a biology professor and prairie dog linguist at Northern Arizona University. The language includes nouns and adjectives, and it is unknown if they also have verbs.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Prairie dogs, those little pups popping in and out of holes on vacant lots and rural rangeland, are talking up a storm.

They have different "words" for tall human in yellow shirt, short human in green shirt, coyote, deer, red-tailed hawk and many other creatures.

They can even coin new terms for things they've never seen before, independently coming up with the same calls or words, according to Con Slobodchikoff, a Northern Arizona University biology professor and prairie dog linguist. [continued]
http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2004/12/04/news/wyoming/835f726da39128a787256f5f006be02d.txt
 
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Amazing! I wonder id they have a word for a gray alien :wink:
 
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iansmith said:
Amazing! I wonder id they have a word for a gray alien :wink:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: So it would seem!
 
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The example words given in the link are nouns and adjectives. I wonder if the critters have verbs, such as "Run!"
 

What is the significance of the discovery of talking prairie dogs?

The discovery of talking prairie dogs is significant because it challenges our understanding of animal communication and cognition. It suggests that these animals are capable of complex vocalizations and potentially have their own language.

How was this new language discovered?

The new language of talking prairie dogs was discovered through a combination of field observations and laboratory experiments. Researchers spent years studying the vocalizations of prairie dogs in their natural habitat and then conducted experiments to decode their meanings.

What do talking prairie dogs sound like?

Talking prairie dogs use a variety of vocalizations, including barks, chirps, and whistles. These vocalizations can vary in pitch, duration, and intensity, and they are used to convey different messages or meanings.

Can humans understand the language of talking prairie dogs?

While humans may not be able to fully understand the language of talking prairie dogs, researchers have been able to decipher some of their vocalizations and their meanings. It is possible that with further study, we may be able to understand more of their language.

What implications does this discovery have for our understanding of animal communication?

The discovery of talking prairie dogs highlights the complexity of animal communication and challenges the idea that human language is unique. It also opens up new avenues for studying animal cognition and the evolution of language. Additionally, it may lead to a greater appreciation for the intelligence and abilities of animals.

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