New research from the University of Auckland has revealed that humpback whale songs follow patterns similar to human language, offering fresh insight into how these majestic creatures communicate. Scientists analyzed the structure of whale vocalizations and found common phrases that occur at similar frequencies, much like words in human speech—suggesting that whale songs may be passed down from generation to generation, much like cultural traditions.
This discovery builds on decades of research into whale communication, dating back to the 1960s, when biologists first recognized patterns in whale songs that hinted at deeper meaning. More recently, studies on sperm whales suggest they may even have a phonetic alphabet of clicks and codas. These findings reinforce the idea that whales have their own form of culture, learning and sharing songs much like humans do.
However, the growing industrial noise in the ocean threatens to drown out these intricate songs, causing stress and potential long-term harm to whale populations. Protecting the ocean’s soundscape is crucial to ensuring these free-flowing melodies continue for generations to come. By reducing human impact, we can help preserve the extraordinary music of the deep—and the culture it represents.