PubHawk
Curr Biol November 2012 PMID 23122846

An Asian elephant imitates human speech.

Angela S Stoeger, Daniel Mietchen, Sukhun Oh, Shermin de Silva, Christian T Herbst, Soowhan Kwon, W Tecumseh Fitch

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Mentions

72
Peak: 5 in Jul 2023
across 7 sources since Jun 2019

Extended reach

3,722,569
potential audience

Total likes

102,859

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3,717,033

Mentions per month

Jun 2019 – Jul 2023

Where it's discussed

  • News26 articles
  • Blogs21 articles
  • Facebook11 posts
  • X / Twitter7 posts
  • Bluesky3 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions underscore the research's surprising discovery of an elephant imitating human speech, with posts using words like 'fascinating,' 'amazing,' and 'mind-blowing' to convey excitement. Others express admiration for the animal's vocal control, referencing the method of placing the trunk in the mouth, which elevates the scientific significance while also sharing humorous or casual reactions that reflect widespread fascination.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions express amazement and support for the curiosity and significance of the research, indicating strong agreement.

InterestHigh interest

Posts demonstrate high interest, with many noting the fascinating nature of the elephant's speech imitation and explicitly mentioning the study's findings.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts delve into reactions, sharing excitement and surprise, and some reference the methodology and broader implications, showing deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Multiple comments highlight how this observation challenges assumptions about animal communication, suggesting notable scientific impact, though some reactions are more humorous or dismissive.

Abstract in brief

  • An Asian elephant named Koshik has been observed mimicking human speech, specifically matching Korean sounds so accurately that native speakers can understand and transcribe it, which is a unique and previously unrecorded behavior among elephants.
  • Koshik achieves this detailed speech imitation by placing his trunk inside his mouth and manipulating his vocal tract during phonation, representing a novel method of vocal control not seen in other animals.
  • The ability of Koshik to imitate human speech may serve to strengthen social bonds, possibly helping him connect with humans or other elephants, highlighting a potential role for vocal learning in social bonding across species.]
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Ieda Marcondes
@iedamarcondes.com · Bluesky

Achei que vocês gostariam de ver este elefantinho no útero. É deste vídeo aqui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8

Jul 22, 2023 · 6 likes View post →
ぽこやん
@yokota_tayoko14 · X

ヒトが話した韓国語を真似するゾウの動画 昨日のシンポジウムで紹介されてた研究。 口の中に鼻先を入れ、下顎を動かすことで声道の形状を変えているらしい。 スロー再生みたいな声！！ https://t.co/FNyzuYqO1D

Aug 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 539 followers View post →
Agrivane
@agrivane.bsky.social · Bluesky

A great edutainment video about Elephants from ZeFrank. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8)

Jul 24, 2023 · 3 likes View post →
Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife
@ClinicZoo · X

An Asian Elephant Imitates Human Speech https://t.co/V7RsVzxnmV - We just became aware of this paper in @CurrentBiology and although from 2012 we would like to point it out, it's quite fascinating ! #LANGUAGE https://t.co/DXPnya4aLL

Sep 27, 2021 · 1 like · 1,645 followers View post →
soumya
@sighpluto · X

THE FUCK https://t.co/rPxAxFFEUN

Jun 25, 2020 · 1 like · 70 followers View post →
soumya
@lipqIoss · X

im 8 years late to this study but HOLY SHIT? https://t.co/pAZvWuKPqe

Jun 25, 2020 · 2,170 followers View post →

All mentions

Exploring the Sensitivity of Elephant Trunk Whiskers

Elephants possess highly sensitive trunk whiskers, particularly at the tip, aiding their manipulative abilities. This video delves into the anatomy and functionality of these specialized structures, highlighting…

Ze Frank · Jul 21, 2023 3,717,018 views
Agrivane
@agrivane.bsky.social · Bluesky

A great edutainment video about Elephants from ZeFrank. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8)

Jul 24, 2023 · 3 likes View post →
Ieda Marcondes
@iedamarcondes.com · Bluesky

Achei que vocês gostariam de ver este elefantinho no útero. É deste vídeo aqui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8

Jul 22, 2023 · 6 likes View post →
ivacheung.com
@ivacheung.com · Bluesky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOr1-P6XR8

Jul 21, 2023 View post →
RHPP
@HisPetPrincess · X

An Asian Elephant Imitates Human Speech https://t.co/6S3JjvH5EJ

Sep 27, 2022 · 367 followers View post →
ぽこやん
@yokota_tayoko14 · X

ヒトが話した韓国語を真似するゾウの動画 昨日のシンポジウムで紹介されてた研究。 口の中に鼻先を入れ、下顎を動かすことで声道の形状を変えているらしい。 スロー再生みたいな声！！ https://t.co/FNyzuYqO1D

Aug 6, 2022 · 4 likes · 539 followers View post →
Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife
@ClinicZoo · X

An Asian Elephant Imitates Human Speech https://t.co/V7RsVzxnmV - We just became aware of this paper in @CurrentBiology and although from 2012 we would like to point it out, it's quite fascinating ! #LANGUAGE https://t.co/DXPnya4aLL

Sep 27, 2021 · 1 like · 1,645 followers View post →
Allison Walker
@alliwalk · X

An Asian Elephant Imitates Human Speech https://t.co/8vEYagv3Nf

Apr 21, 2021 · 305 followers View post →
soumya
@sighpluto · X

THE FUCK https://t.co/rPxAxFFEUN

Jun 25, 2020 · 1 like · 70 followers View post →
soumya
@lipqIoss · X

im 8 years late to this study but HOLY SHIT? https://t.co/pAZvWuKPqe

Jun 25, 2020 · 2,170 followers View post →
kentuckywoman2
@kentuckywoman_2 · X

An Asian Elephant Imitates Human Speech: Current Biology https://t.co/OGoYbgKLZ6 #FreakingAmazing

Jun 13, 2019 · 440 followers View post →