In the movie Arrival, a linguist deciphers an alien language with palindromic phrases and circular symbols. Different nations interpret the messages differently, some assuming a threat. Research shows that AI can develop languages that may help us communicate with aliens.
A language is a way we communicate with others, but the origin of language is still a mystery. Linguists have been studying this for years, but it’s hard to trace the evolution of language. AI can help simulate how language evolves through emergent communication research.
Experiments with AI show that they can develop languages by communicating with each other to complete tasks. Humans also develop languages when communicating with non-English speakers by creating gestures and symbols. AI languages may be different from human languages, but tools are being developed to interpret them.
Researchers use information theory to understand AI languages by analyzing patterns in conversations. This can help decode the meaning behind AI communication. Understanding AI languages can lead to better technology, such as improving language models and communication between autonomous systems like self-driving cars.
The methods used to understand AI languages could also be applied to decipher alien communications in the future. By analyzing written alien text and visual context, statistical tools can help understand alien languages, known as xenolinguistics. This research not only benefits potential alien contact but also has practical applications in improving technology and communication systems on Earth.
