Extended Interview: Bird Song and the Evolution of Language with Erich Jarvis

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NOVA Presents

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39 episodes

3 days ago

Ever wonder what's really going on in the world of science? We've got you covered. Join us for conversations with the researchers making tomorrow's breakthroughs, deep dives into the universe's biggest mysteries, and clear explanations of the discoveries that matter most. We're talking climate breakthroughs, space mysteries, AI developments, and quantum leaps, all explained by the people doing the work. Whether you're curious about breaking headlines, fascinated by black holes and alien worlds, or ready for mind-bending conversations with brilliant scientists, NOVA Presents delivers four incredible series that make complex science feel like chatting with your smartest friend. For over 50 years, NOVA has been your trusted guide to understanding the world, now we're bringing that same curiosity and clarity straight to your ears. Come explore with us. Discover more NOVA content and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Extended Interview: Bird Song and the Evolution of Language with Erich Jarvis

NOVA Presents

1 hour 3 minutes 1 second

3 weeks ago

Extended Interview: Bird Song and the Evolution of Language with Erich Jarvis

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, how it evolved, and what it reveals about the brain, consciousness, and culture. Plus, Erich shares how AI is helping decode animal communication and why engineering our pets to talk might actually be possible… but could fundamentally change the way they think. Learn more about NOVA and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ————————— Guest Bio: Erich Jarvis is a neuroscientist investigating the mysteries of speech and vocal learning through groundbreaking research on birdsong and brain evolution. As a professor at The Rockefeller University and head of the Jarvis Lab, he explores how complex behaviors like human language arise from brain circuits and genetic pathways. Jarvis was also profiled in NOVA Wonders: What are Animals Saying. Timestamps (00:00:00) Language in Animals vs. Humans (00:10:37) Music and Vocal Learning (00:20:15) Can You Genetically Engineer Animals to Speak? (00:27:48) How Did Speech Evolve? (00:36:09) Can We Translate Animal Language? (00:42:27) Brain Size and Speech (00:48:14) Writing & Symbolic Communication (00:57:00) Conclusion (01:04:02) Credits