Why Animals Talk

The New Science of Animal Communication

Arik Kershenbaum

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Paperback

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English

Penguin Books Ltd
30 January 2025

Psycholinguistics; Communication studies; Animal behaviour; Wildlife: general interest

How communication works across the animal kingdom, for readers of Other Minds and Ed Yong

Why Animals Talk is a scientific journey through the untamed world of animal communication. From the majestic howls of wolves and the enchanting chatter of parrots to the melodic clicks of dolphins and the spirited grunts of chimpanzees, these diverse and seemingly bizarre expressions are far from mere noise. In fact, they hold secrets that we are just beginning to decipher.

For example, wolves - just like humans - possess unique accents that distinguish their howls; gibbons have different alarm-calls for leopards and snakes, and sing romantic duets with their partners; and dolphins not only give themselves names but respond excitedly to recordings of the whistles of long-lost companions.

Chapter by chapter and animal by animal, Kershenbaum draws on his extensive research and observations of animals in the wild to explain the science behind why animals are communicating. Also revealing profound insights into our own language and why it is different, In doing so, Why Animals Talks tells the comprehensive story of communication and how it works across the entire animal kingdom.

By: Arik Kershenbaum
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 204g
ISBN: 9780241995297
ISBN 10: 0241995299
Pages: 288
Publication Date: 30 January 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Intrepid zoologist Dr Arik Kershenbaum is the world-leading expert in animal vocal communication, and has roamed the wilds of Europe, North America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia for over a decade, working to decipher it. He is a college lecturer and fellow at Girton College, University of Cambridge, and has published more than thirty academic publications. His previous book, The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy, was a Times/Sunday Times Book of the Year and was published in eleven languages.

Reviews for Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication

Wonderful . . . Endlessly interesting and beautifully written * Daily Telegraph * Steady-headed and fun * Sunday Times * He writes like me -- Richard Dawkins Kershenbaum helps us perceive how other animals sense their worlds, and in doing so, explores the evolutionary roots of our own advanced language skills. It is fitting that a book about communication is so conversational and engaging, and it will give you a new perspective on the richness of nature -- Steve Brusatte, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs Quirky, insightful . . . based on a deep understanding of recent research -- Tim Clutton-Brock, author of Meerkat Manor A new look at a fascinating subject -- Desmond Morris, author of The Naked Ape An entertaining journey through the science of animal communication, taking us into the oceanic world of dolphin clicks and teaching us about wolves’ accents – all while shedding light on our own language and world. * iweekend * A delightfully entertaining journey through the science of animal communication, Why Animals Talk takes us into the oceanic world of dolphin clicks, teaches us about wolves' accents, shows us the power of parrot' chatter - all whiles shedding light on out own language and world * inews' The best new books out this January' *