Photo: Shelby Cohron | Unsplash
In striking similarity to humans, dolphin moms have been found to communicate with their calves in a manner similar to human "motherese" or baby talk, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research reveals that bottlenose dolphin mothers increase the pitch of their whistles when interacting with their offspring, potentially enhancing bonding and learning. This is the first time motherese has been observed in a nonhuman animal, suggesting commonality in communication strategies. The findings could provide insights into the evolution of vocal learning and its connection to language. While the exact messages conveyed by dolphin motherese remain unknown, scientists speculate it may serve to establish presence and strengthen connections. The discovery may lead to further investigations of motherese in other species, deepening our understanding of vocal learning and social bonds in the animal kingdom.
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