Did anyone see the recently circulating video of the cat on the dock interacting with dolphins. Including repeated and extended nuzzling and no signs of aggression.
I immediate thought that, in part, the dolphins might be attracted by, intrigued by the cat's probably purring, sensing it through their jaws. But there seems to be a patience and curiosity there that speaks to significantly more than mere "animal instinct".
We already communicate with dolphins, and experiments have shown that they can understand the syntax and semantics of request/command structures (the same communication elements in different orders ('sentence structures', so to speak) have different meanings).
What will they say when we finally understand them? "Took you long enough."
What will they say when we finally understand them? "Took you long enough."
I don't believe that communication between dolphins and trainers has been strictly one way. I'm pretty sure a trainer can easily read a lot from a dolphin's actions, sounds, etc.
And keep in mind, the other great apes are wicked smart, like smarter then small human children smart, way smarter then the smartest dog, but still not smart enough to say something like "Took you long enough to teach us sign language."
What does "long enough" mean, in that context? I think it's fair to assume that they don't have a cultural heritage, as we do, and thus no perception of time before they were born.
I agree with you, however, that communication is definitely two-way. Anyone with a dog knows that.
Just want to mention that I just watched "The Cove" last night and it was really well done doc. (About Dolphins being mass slaughtered in Japan). Just watch it, its on netflix instant.
I saw a different edit of the same event. From that, I didn't realize it was at a marine theme park. It also didn't include the animals' startled reactions.
Still, interesting. And goes to show, cats are real charmers -- when they want to be. ;-)
I immediate thought that, in part, the dolphins might be attracted by, intrigued by the cat's probably purring, sensing it through their jaws. But there seems to be a patience and curiosity there that speaks to significantly more than mere "animal instinct".
We already communicate with dolphins, and experiments have shown that they can understand the syntax and semantics of request/command structures (the same communication elements in different orders ('sentence structures', so to speak) have different meanings).
What will they say when we finally understand them? "Took you long enough."