The Language of the Dolphins
New Study Suggests Dolphins May Have a Vocabulary of Signature Sounds
In a surprising twist on animal communication research, a new study published in Nature Communications suggests that dolphins may use a complex system of signature sounds akin to a spoken vocabulary. The research, led by marine biologists at the University of St Andrews and the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, analyzed years of acoustic recordings from bottlenose dolphins off the Florida coast.
Dolphins are already known to have individual signature whistles that function like names. However, this new study goes further, identifying consistent sound patterns that appear to represent specific behaviors, objects, or social interactions. Using machine learning and pattern recognition software, the team matched certain whistles with repeated contexts such as play, feeding, or the approach of a known individual.
What makes the findings particularly exciting is that these sound clusters were used repeatedly across different pods and individuals, suggesting a shared acoustic code. While the researchers stop short of calling it a full-fledged language, they do argue that dolphins have developed a rudimentary form of symbolic communication.
The study raises intriguing questions about the evolution of language in nonhuman species. Dolphins have brains that rival humans in size relative to body weight and have demonstrated high levels of problem-solving, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.
Beyond the scientific novelty, this research could improve efforts to protect dolphin populations. Understanding how these animals communicate can inform conservation strategies, particularly in noise-polluted environments where human activity may disrupt natural communication.
Researchers plan to expand the study to other regions and species, as well as test interactive underwater devices that may one day allow for simple two-way communication between humans and dolphins.
Sources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-21193-6 https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/news/archive/2025/title,1052130,en.php https://sarasotadolphin.org/dolphin-vocalizations-research-2025/