Marmoset monkeys can learn a new dialect

Marmoset monkeys can learn a new dialect
Variations from one region to the next: The calls of marmoset monkeys differ between populations. Credit: Judith Burkhart, UZH

Monkeys and other animals communicate through calls that can differ depending on region. The common marmoset is one such animal that communicates using regional dialects. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now found out that they even adapt their dialect when they move to a different area.

Human beings aren't the only species that have dialects. The calls and songs of various animal species also vary from one region to the next. For example, there are songbirds that sing differently by region and often adopt their parents' dialect. The same goes for , whose calls also differ between populations, as researchers at the University of Zurich found out in a previous study. However, it was unclear whether the different dialects were caused by between populations, by , or whether they were acquired through social learning.

Dialects are socially learned

To answer this question, the researchers analyzed the calls of common marmosets before and after they moved to a new colony with a different dialect. After a short time, the newcomers adapted their calls to the new dialect. "We could clearly show that the dialects of common marmosets are learned socially. If their dialects were genetically determined, moving to a new place wouldn't cause any change in calls. The changes can't be explained by differences in the environment either," says Yvonne Zürcher, first author of the study from the Department of Anthropology.

Sounds adapted could signal interest

It is not yet clear which advantages the gain from learning a new . It could be that adapting their calls to the new colony is a way for them to signal their interest in the new group and increase their chances as potential mating partners. "In any case, it's no surprise that we found evidence of socially learned dialects in common marmosets," says Judith Burkart, senior author of the study. While marmosets are not quite as closely related to humans as great apes, they are more similar to us in some respects. For example, like humans, they raise their offspring with the help of the entire group, which could very well be linked to their "language skills." This study and others show that the common is an important model system to understand the origins of language.

The study is published in PLOS ONE.

More information: PLOS ONE, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222486

Journal information: PLoS ONE

Citation: Marmoset monkeys can learn a new dialect (2019, October 23) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2019-10-marmoset-monkeys-dialect.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Fruit fly species can learn each other's dialects

296 shares

Feedback to editors