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Particles of Thought: The Animal Translator

What is speech, really? Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis explores the science behind how we speak.

10/21/2025

NOVA

Particles of Thought: The Animal Translator

Special | 1h 3m 49sVideo has Closed Captions

What is speech, really? Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis explores the science behind how we speak.

Talking, singing, even dancing — they all trace back to a rare superpower: vocal learning. But humans aren’t the only animals that have it. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis has spent his career decoding the mysterious ability to imitate sounds, a key ingredient in spoken language. In this episode, he joins Hakeem to explore why only a handful of species — like parrots, dolphins, and bats — can do it.

10/21/2025

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

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National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

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NOVA

Particles of Thought: The Animal Translator

Special | 1h 3m 49sVideo has Closed Captions

Talking, singing, even dancing — they all trace back to a rare superpower: vocal learning. But humans aren’t the only animals that have it. Neuroscientist Erich Jarvis has spent his career decoding the mysterious ability to imitate sounds, a key ingredient in spoken language. In this episode, he joins Hakeem to explore why only a handful of species — like parrots, dolphins, and bats — can do it.

10/21/2025

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

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National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies and Viking Cruises. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.

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