Dialog with black box: using Information Theory to study animal language behaviour |
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Authors: | Zhanna Reznikova |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Animal Systematics and Ecology, Novosibirsk State University, Frunze 11, Novosubirsk, 630091, Russia |
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Abstract: | In this review, three main experimental approaches for studying animal language behaviour are compared: (1) direct decoding
of animals’ communication, (2) the use of intermediary languages to communicate with animals and (3) application of ideas
and methods of the Information Theory for studying quantitative characteristics of animal communication. Each of the three
methodological approaches has its specific power and specific limitations. Deciphering animals’ signals reveals a complex
picture of natural communication in its evolutionary perspective but only fragmentary because of many methodological barriers,
among which low repeatability of standard living situations seems to be a bottleneck. Language-training experiments are of
great help for discovering potentials of animal language behaviour but leaves characteristics of their natural communications
unclear. The use of the methods of Information Theory is based on measuring the time duration that animals spend on transmitting
messages of definite information content and complexity. This approach, although does not reveal the nature of animals’ signals,
provides a new dimension for studying important characteristics of natural communication systems, which have not been available
before. First of all, this approach enables explorers of animals’ language behaviour to obtain knowledge just about the ability
of subjects for transferring meaningful messages. Besides, the important properties of animal communication and intelligence
can be evaluated such as the rate of information transmission, the complexity of transferred information and potential flexibility
of communication systems. |
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Keywords: | Animal communication Experimental approach Information Theory Deciphering signals Intermediary languages |
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