Animal Linguistics
Suzuki Laboratory

Animal linguistics: Integrating animal behavior, linguistics, and cognitive science

Toward a future where humans can understand animal language

Our laboratory is the world’s first laboratory specializing in the field of animal linguistics. Our research integrates animal behavior, linguistics, and cognitive science to explore questions such as: (1) what do animal signals (e.g., vocalizations or gestures) mean, (2) how do they function in survival and reproduction, and (3) what cognitive capabilities are necessary for a communication system to evolve? We use a variety of methods, including behavioral observations of wild animals, audio recording and analysis, psychological experiments in the field, and semi-natural experiments under captive conditions. We focus primarily on social animals that regularly use communication in social contexts, such as birds and mammals.

Unraveling the universal principles of language evolution

Our research aims to unravel the origins and evolution of human language by studying animal communication. It has long been assumed that language has evolved all at once in humans; however, recent studies have shown that elements of language have also evolved in non-human animals. For example, the Japanese tit, a passerine species, can use different calls to convey different meanings and combine them to create complex messages. By focusing on cognitive capabilities constructing language and comparing them between different species, we are exploring the universal principles of language evolution.

Co-creative science open to society

We are conducting research with an eye toward connections to the fields of environmental education, conservation, animal welfare, and artificial intelligence. We are also actively engaged in outreach and dissemination of research to society.

Member

• 
• • Associate professor
    Toshitaka SUZUKI
  Specialized field: Animal linguistics, Animal behavior

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