TOEFL Listening

🎧 Listening Transcript

Listen to part of a lecture in a biology class. The professor is discussing animal communication. 'Today we're going to talk about the fascinating ways animals communicate, and specifically, the concept of 'intentional communication.' Now, many animals produce signals that convey information, but not all of these signals are intentional. For example, a dog that pants after running is not intentionally telling you it's hot—that's just a physiological response. However, when a dog whines at the door to be let out, that is intentional. The dog has learned that this behavior gets a response from humans. So, what distinguishes intentional communication? Researchers argue that it involves three key features. First, the signal is directed at a specific audience. Second, the signal is flexible and can be used in different contexts. And third, the signal is sensitive to the attention state of the receiver. That is, the animal will only signal if the receiver is paying attention. This is a major area of study, because it suggests that some animals, like primates and certain birds, have a more cognitive approach to communication than we previously thought. It also challenges the idea that only humans have the ability to communicate with intent.'