augmentative interspecies communication • définition
Augmentative interspecies communication refers to the technologies and methods designed to enhance or extend communication between humans and other animal species beyond natural forms of interaction.
Detailed definition
Augmentative interspecies communication (AIC) describes the use of technology, linguistic tools, and interactive systems that help humans and animals understand each other better. It includes innovations like talking buttons used by dogs and cats, AI interfaces interpreting animal signals, or systems capable of analyzing emotions and intentions across species. The goal isn’t to “humanize” animals, but to build a bridge between species, one that respects their own natural ways of communicating.
Etymology : communicare, species, augmentare
Interspecies communication : the act of sharing information across species (from Latin communicare, "to share" and species, "appearance, kind").
Augmentative : from Latin augmentare, "to increase or enhance", referring here to the use of digital and cognitive technologies.
The concept draws inspiration from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), originally developed to help humans with speech disorders communicate through symbols, sounds, or electronic devices. Applied to the animal realm, it becomes AIC : Augmentative Interspecies Communication.
Societal issues
This emerging field raises both thrilling possibilities and deep ethical questions:
Animal cognition and education: a shared language challenges long-held assumptions about animal consciousness, memory, and intent.
Animal welfare : enabling animals to express needs, discomfort, or emotions could revolutionize veterinary care and everyday coexistence.
Ethical boundaries : scientists warn against anthropomorphism, overinterpretation, or commercial misuse of these tools.
Science and society : projects like FluentPet and TheyCanTalk unite citizen scientists and researchers documenting animal communication attempts worldwide.
On a broader scale, this field questions the status of animals in human society. If they can communicate, should we not listen, and perhaps even recognize them as individuals with voices of their own?
Wikipaw's team opinion
At Animalert, we see augmentative interspecies communication as a hopeful path toward empathy and understanding between humans and animals. Every technological breakthrough in this area must be guided by animal ethics, the goal is not to make animals speak like us, but to learn to listen to them better. Such tools can profoundly improve animals’ quality of life, help detect distress or suffering in lost or injured animals, and directly support Animalert’s mission to protect them. It’s a step toward a world where animals actively participate in their own well-being, and where technology becomes a tool of empathy rather than domination.