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Given our limited success in understanding the communication of non-human species (despite sharing evolutionary ancestry) our chances of meaningfully communicat

Given our limited success in understanding the communication of non-human species (despite sharing evolutionary ancestry) our chances of meaningfully communicating with an alien species are likely near zero, unless they take the lead in bridging the gap. We often assume that language, a distinctly human trait, is a prerequisite for intelligence or success, but it may be unique to us. Even on our own planet, no other species demonstrates the capacity for language.

VagabundoP 1y ago
I think having fairly advanced species on both sides of the problem would lead to communication at some point. I'd guess that it could take years or decades even for simple communication, and the nuances of cultural exchange could take centuries.
lopis 1y ago
It depends what you mean by language. I think you're using a very narrow definition in your comment. We already have evidence that some whales use sounds to identify other whales, i.e. "names". We also have building evidence that their vocalization contains some sort of words. If you expand language beyond spoken language, there is evidence of clear communication of complex data, like bees explaining others where to find food with basically little dance moves. A large part of our "intelligence" is actually the ability to not needing to know everything, because we live in a society. I don't need to know how to build a vehicle or how it works to be able to learn how to drive it. Most animals don't have that luxury. And an important requirement for that is being able to communicate complex ideas with your peers, and pass them on to the next generations. Maybe if intelligence alien life is completely different than what we find on Earth, this isn't necessary. Like if they don't live in the same plane of existence. But if it is comprised of physical conscious individuals, it's highly likely that they would have some sort of language.
- Izkata 1y ago
  > We already have evidence > We also have building evidence that You're agreeing with them. They didn't say we have "limited evidence of communication", they said we have "limited success understanding the communication of".
  - justinrubek 1y ago
    In the first paragraph, sure. In the second, not so much.
gizmo686 1y ago
Assuming the alien life is intelligent and motivated to speak to us [0], then we have a significant advantage over our attempts at understanding existing animal languages. There is ample precedent for that on Earth. In our own history, when two district linguistic groups meet, they do not learn each other's language. They mutually establish a primitive protocol language (pidgin) that is sufficient for communication. With animals, pretty much any pet owner can attest to establishing some communicative ability with their pets. Even with non domestic species like dolphins, scientists have been able to establish basic communication. If there was a species of comparable intelligence, knowledge, and institutional capacity to us, we would be able to work around having incompatible innate communication facilities. [0] In the build intergalactic space ships, and whatever their version of dedicating teams of researchers and supporting logistics is
- BrandoElFollito 1y ago
  I have a cat and I noticed that the communication is mostly cat -> me. Not really the other way round. She is very capable to express what she wants, but my attemps not so much. Except when I make certain weird noises (a specific set). She will wave her tail a bit every time, whether she is sleeping, or staying at something invisible, or looking at the roomba. I always wondered what this tell wave mean (it is just the sun's, they're is no followup afterward)

VagabundoP 1y ago

I think having fairly advanced species on both sides of the problem would lead to communication at some point. I'd guess that it could take years or decades even for simple communication, and the nuances of cultural exchange could take centuries.

lopis 1y ago

It depends what you mean by language. I think you're using a very narrow definition in your comment. We already have evidence that some whales use sounds to identify other whales, i.e. "names". We also have building evidence that their vocalization contains some sort of words. If you expand language beyond spoken language, there is evidence of clear communication of complex data, like bees explaining others where to find food with basically little dance moves. A large part of our "intelligence" is actually the ability to not needing to know everything, because we live in a society. I don't need to know how to build a vehicle or how it works to be able to learn how to drive it. Most animals don't have that luxury. And an important requirement for that is being able to communicate complex ideas with your peers, and pass them on to the next generations. Maybe if intelligence alien life is completely different than what we find on Earth, this isn't necessary. Like if they don't live in the same plane of existence. But if it is comprised of physical conscious individuals, it's highly likely that they would have some sort of language.

Izkata 1y ago
> We already have evidence > We also have building evidence that You're agreeing with them. They didn't say we have "limited evidence of communication", they said we have "limited success understanding the communication of".
- justinrubek 1y ago
  In the first paragraph, sure. In the second, not so much.

gizmo686 1y ago

Assuming the alien life is intelligent and motivated to speak to us [0], then we have a significant advantage over our attempts at understanding existing animal languages. There is ample precedent for that on Earth. In our own history, when two district linguistic groups meet, they do not learn each other's language. They mutually establish a primitive protocol language (pidgin) that is sufficient for communication. With animals, pretty much any pet owner can attest to establishing some communicative ability with their pets. Even with non domestic species like dolphins, scientists have been able to establish basic communication. If there was a species of comparable intelligence, knowledge, and institutional capacity to us, we would be able to work around having incompatible innate communication facilities. [0] In the build intergalactic space ships, and whatever their version of dedicating teams of researchers and supporting logistics is

BrandoElFollito 1y ago
I have a cat and I noticed that the communication is mostly cat -> me. Not really the other way round. She is very capable to express what she wants, but my attemps not so much. Except when I make certain weird noises (a specific set). She will wave her tail a bit every time, whether she is sleeping, or staying at something invisible, or looking at the roomba. I always wondered what this tell wave mean (it is just the sun's, they're is no followup afterward)