World Jun 24, 2026 · 1 min read

Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean

Matriarchal groups in east and west exhibit distinct click patterns, used to form social structuresFrom “Howdy” to “G’day”, English – like other languages – is rich in dialects. Now researchers have found sperm whales on different sides of the Mediterranean show similar variations in their vocalisat...

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The Guardian
by Nicola Davis Science correspondent
Different sperm whale ‘dialects’ detected on separate sides of the Mediterranean

Matriarchal groups in east and west exhibit distinct click patterns, used to form social structures

From “Howdy” to “G’day”, English – like other languages – is rich in dialects. Now researchers have found sperm whales on different sides of the Mediterranean show similar variations in their vocalisations.

Sperm whales communicate vocally using sequences of short clicks called codas. However, the rhythmic pattern of these clicks, known as the dialect, can differ between different matriarchal groups.

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This article was originally published by The Guardian and written by Nicola Davis Science correspondent.

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