- Scientists: ET communication method
- Academic language study
- Decipher signals for understanding
Scientists have unveiled a method by which humans could establish communication with extraterrestrial beings in the cosmos and, if successful, prevent an intergalactic conflict.
The most exhaustive “science of extraterrestrial language” to date has been compiled by academics to ensure that any communication with extraterrestrial life is cordial and not interpreted negatively.
A study published in the Astrophysical Journal in 2020 estimated that there are approximately 36 “advanced” civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy alone; however, the identification and communication with any of them remain unattainable for humanity at this time.
The Times reports that twenty-five preeminent authorities in linguistics, anthropology, animal communications, philosophy, computer science, and biology have compiled a new volume that “explores the potential nature of non-terrestrial intelligence with linguistic capabilities.”
The paper includes contributions from notable figures such as Noam Chomsky, a political and social scholar from the United States renowned as “the father of modern linguistics.”
Dr. Douglas Vakoch, an astrobiologist and editor of the volume, stated to the newspaper, “I am optimistic.” It is conceivable that within our lifetimes, Seti (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) programmes could deliver or receive messages. These messages could eventually receive a response.
Cracking the Cosmic Code
Humanity has conducted decades-long research into the possibility of sentient life elsewhere in space. Even transmitting communications and signals in the hope of one day receiving something in return.
This encompassed the launch of the Voyager spacecraft outside of our solar system. It carried a ‘Golden Record’ that comprised music, greetings in 54 languages, and animal greeting sounds.
By utilising current knowledge of human languages and the diverse modes of animal communication, the new research attempts to “decode intentional communication from another world.”
Although scientists have previously reached the conclusion that the likelihood of effectively communicating with extraterrestrial life is remote but not nonexistent, this paper emphasises that enormous strides must be taken on Earth to improve humanity’s chances.
This may encompass the decipherment of untranslated ancient languages. Linear A, a Minoan script used until 1,400 BC, was found on artefacts but untranslated.
Academics may even be able to produce their own Rosetta stone or pseudo-translation manual. These would be comprised of key terms presumed to have significance across celestial bodies.
Daily, the authors propose transmitting a brief, straightforward signal in the direction of “a million star systems.”
If extraterrestrial communication is detected, humans should acknowledge receipt with the same message. This should be done prior to attempting to decipher it.
This will require examining the transmission for patterns that may indicate the presence of symbols.
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However, the scientists add that communication will be sluggish because it takes four years to travel at the speed of light to the nearest star other than the Sun. Additionally, it is conceivable that other life forms possess communication mechanisms and body chemistries that are incomprehensible to humans.
However, civilizations with enough technology to send signals are likely to have some traits. These characteristics include “tool use, symbol use, communication, culture-making, and curiosity.”
This implies that “many characteristics of human language may be shared with extraterrestrials,” according to the volume, which further states, “Our efforts to decipher alien messages will have a greater chance of success if we start with simple messages and progress to more complex ones.”
Failure to adopt this strategy could result in potential contact with extraterrestrial beings. It might resemble “castaways waving to each other from separate islands,” knowing the other’s existence but unable to learn more.
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