Why can’t we understand Dolphins?

[Esceptico]

People suspect that Dolphins communicate with each other verbally yet if they do we have no idea what they are saying. Why not? Humans that don’t share a common language don’t usually take long to learn each other’s language. We also have computing power to help us analyse what Dolphins are saying. Why aren’t we able to either work out what they are saying or conclude they don’t have language?

[Esceptico]

bearman68 said:

No frame of reference. With people using other languages, someone can pick up a rock, and say rock. Or a hammer drill, and call it a hammer drill.
But what do Dolphins talk about? Not the first idea. So it's an infinitely variable signal with no reference as to what it means. Hence we can't talk to dolphins.

I see your point but human babies seem able to pick up human languages from watching other humans speaking (most have interaction from parents but I don’t think that is necessary and even children that are neglected learn to speak, although their development can be affected).

[Esceptico]

eharding said:

Munter said:

I'm pretty sure dolphins are one of the few species to enjoy sex for the sake of it as well.

Unlikely, otherwise the ugly dolphins would have invented alcohol by now.

Actually true. I started the thread the day after taking part in a dolphin safari here in NZ. It was quite breath taking - at one point we were following a pod of around 100 Dolphins. There were definitely Dolphins engaging in recreationally sex. My daughter was a bit shocked seeing a Dolphin penis!