Scientists Just Decoded Whale Language Using AI – And It’s Not What You Think

In a discovery that could transform how we understand non-human intelligence, a group of international researchers has made significant progress in decoding the communication system of sperm whales using artificial intelligence. And while it may not be a “language” in the human sense, what they’ve found is far more complex—and surprising—than most expected.

The breakthrough comes from Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), an ambitious effort to understand how sperm whales communicate. These whales produce rapid series of clicks known as “codas,” which have long intrigued scientists. But until now, there was no clear evidence of structure or grammar behind them.

Using a combination of machine learning, big data, and underwater audio recordings collected over several years, researchers analyzed over 8,700 codas produced by whales in the eastern Caribbean. What they found was remarkable: the clicks are not random. Instead, they follow specific patterns—much like the way humans combine letters and sounds to form words and sentences.

The AI uncovered a set of rules underlying the codas, identifying building blocks that could be described as a kind of “phonetic alphabet.” These elements include different click rhythms, speeds, and even subtle shifts in timing—what the researchers call “ornamentation.” These features are used in various combinations, creating a system that appears structured and purposeful.

In other words, whales may be using a type of combinatorial communication system, where basic elements are rearranged to convey different meanings. This is a key feature of human language and has rarely been observed at such complexity in non-human species.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the researchers aren’t claiming that they’ve fully “translated” whale language. In fact, they don’t yet know exactly what the whales are saying. What they have discovered is the structure—the rules and patterns—that suggest these codas carry meaning in a sophisticated way. It’s like discovering the grammar of a language before knowing the vocabulary.

So no, whales aren’t discussing politics or planning their day in full sentences—at least not that we know of. But they are communicating with far more nuance and consistency than we previously understood.

The implications of this are profound. Not only does it challenge the long-standing idea that complex language is unique to humans, but it also opens the door to new approaches in conservation. If we can better understand how whales communicate, we might be able to reduce the impact of human activities—like shipping noise or ocean pollution—on their lives.

Still, scientists urge caution. This is just the beginning. As David Gruber, founder of Project CETI, put it: “We’ve reached base camp, not the summit.” There’s much more to learn before we can truly claim to speak “whale.”

But one thing is now clear: beneath the surface of the ocean, an ancient and intricate form of communication has been taking place—and we’re finally starting to listen.