In this episode, I talk with Cambridge zoologist Arik Kershenbaum about why communication evolved in animals and humans. We explore how social structure, status, needs, movement, distance, environment, emotions, sense of self and other, theory of mind, genetic relatedness, technology, ideas, words, language, and the senses shape the way we communicate.

We also discuss interspecies communication, pets, plants, gossip, names, autism, mental illness, other minds, information media (books, radio, etc.), language breakdown, variation in language abilities, fighting, isolation, and anthropomorphism.

Learn more about how wolves, dolphins, parrots, hyraxes, gibbons, chimpanzees, humans, and other species communicate in Arik’s latest book, Why Animals Talk. 

RESOURCES

BOOKS

• Alex and Me by Irene Pepperberg
• Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
• The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy by Arik Kershenbaum 
• Why Animals Talk by Arik Kershenbaum 

PAPERS

•  Epiphenomenal Qualia by Frank Jackson
• What Is It Like to Be a Bat? by Thomas Nagel

PEOPLE

• Alex (parrot)
• Irene Pepperberg
• J.K. Rowling
• Rick McIntyre
• Temple Grandin

Connect and Learn More

Search "Arik Kershenbaum" to find his books, podcast interviews, TV appearances, and more.