Though I classify myself as a hopeful skeptic when it comes to the idea of interspecies communication, the interaction I have experienced with whales leads me to believe they are quite receptive to our sounds. While it is tempting to think of their acoustic systems as parallel to language or music, it is important to realize that our systems arose due to unique environmental, physical and cognitive factors that aren't mirrored in the ocean's environment. While there are some commonalties between the two systems that allow us to perceive and draw analogies, the differences are quite marked. This is not an insurmountable barrier to those hopeful for interspecies communication but it puts the onus on ourselves to be adaptable and willing to explore alternate means of communication, modes of expression and avenues of perception.
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