Can Rats Understand Human Language?

Scientists have discovered that rats have the ability to distinguish two different languages, even though they only speak one. The researchers have shown that rats can distinguish between Dutch and Japanese speech cues, proving that the ability to understand human language is not unique to humans. The study was conducted at the University of California, San Diego, and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Germany.

Researchers tested 64 adult male rats to determine if they could distinguish between Japanese and Dutch. The researchers trained the rats to recognize the different languages and respond to them. The rats were divided into four groups, one of which heard native speakers speak each language. Another group was exposed to synthesized speech or sentence readings in either language, and a fourth group was exposed to only the Japanese or Dutch language.

The study also found that rats can perceive facial expressions. They can also understand the pain of a fellow rat, but they cannot distinguish between a human’s face. However, rats can recognize sounds and respond to positive reinforcement. In addition, rats have a more sensitive hearing capacity than humans and are able to hear higher noises than people. However, albino rats have less sensitive hearing than their gray counterparts.

The research also found that rats can recognize melodic sounds. This was demonstrated through training them to recognise the song “Happy Birthday.” Researchers played the song on a piano and rewarded them for ‘pushing’ a button in response. Once they had mastered this, they learned to do it every time they heard the song.