Deciphering Dolphins

Using VR to uncover the language of dolphins

- Alex Moersen

Dolphins have long impressed and entertained off the bows of boats with their acrobatic feats and playful nature. But there may be more to their interactions with humans than we thought. In fact, dolphins have a very sophisticated form of communication and have even attempted to connect with people. Few researchers are more familiar with these animals than Fabrice Schnöller – French engineer, freelance biologist, and acoustic researcher – who has been studying them for 10 years. Schnöller’s unique use of free diving (diving without a breathing apparatus) has allowed him to get more intimate interactions than previous researchers.

Schnöller’s research has proven to be very fruitful. One such example is the study of dolphin introductions. As he describes it, dolphins produce a kind of signature when they come towards you. In other words, they announce themselves. “If I was a dolphin, I would talk to you and I would say ‘Fabrice,’” he explained. He then elaborated: