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Comment by hyper_dynamics | Hacker News Reader

Are there even other "languages"? Or are there just signals like "land-predator!" etc?

Dolphins are understood well enough that we know there are regional dialects, and they broadcast individual name identifiers.

We know they're talking at least enough to have a sense of self, but AFAIK we haven't deciphered the culture/language enough to say anything meaningful to them.

I sleep outside most days year-round and the morning chatter of the birds is a delight. I understand none of it. Maybe they, like us, enjoy hearing themselves talk?

I always chuckle at birdsong, and how pretty it is. Most of it evolved to be some form of "GO AWAY" or "COME HAVE SEX PLEASE" that was loud and distinct enough to be heard over great distances and over the other noises in nature.

So, listening to sweet birdsong first thing in the morning is like going to a rowdy bar on a Saturday night and listening to the singles yell at each other over the music.

It genuinely never fails to make me chuckle when I'm on the porch listening to birds in the morning.

> Most of it evolved to be some form of "GO AWAY" or "COME HAVE SEX PLEASE"

You missed "DANGER DANGER" and "FEED ME" and "I'M HERE WHERE ARE YOU" and "HEADS UP GUYS (let's mob that raptor)"

I always love that quote (can't find it) that Elephants have a special noise for "warning! there are bees nearby!", and someone pointing out that humans do too, it sounds like this: "warning! there are bees nearby!"

I'm curious about sleeping outside. Is it normal in your culture or a personal preference? Are you in a tent or exposed?

I’m in a tent, and would consider going without as there aren’t many insects around here that want to eat parts of me. There are coyotes and the occasional black bear and cougar, but I’m fairly close to the house. I grew up in rural USA and an comfortable in the woods. I try not to speak for others, and I haven’t yet met anyone who regularly sleeps outside when not on a camping trip.

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