Human-Animal Communication

Dear Colleagues,

Thousands of years of domestication have significantly changed the behaviour of large and small domestic animals. During this process non-human animals adapted to the human environment, facing new challenges, and losing old traits that were critical for surviving in the wild. We suppose that domesticated species may have acquired social skills to interact with humans and some species are known to be sensitive to human communicative cues.

The way humans communicate with other humans is mainly by means of voice (language) and postures (body language). And, this is the same way humans communicate with animals. On the other side, animals are known to use a wider set of signals to communicate with other animals, including vocalizations, smells, body language and other behaviours. Are these signals used to communicate also with humans? How did the communication from animals to humans evolve due to this close relationship? Do animals perceive our emotions and how do they understand us? And, on the other hand, did humans improve their ability to understand animals?

An effective communication can lead to a better management of domestic animals, both in farm situations, or at home or shelter for pet animals. Gathering information on animals’ communication is becoming more important also in veterinary practice, offering the possibility of early detection of many diseases that can be promptly controlled or cured. Furthermore, understanding how animals communicate their needs or emotions may be a way to improve their welfare, preventing them from unnecessary suffering or providing them with an appropriate environment.

This Special Issue is interested in both reviews and research papers on all aspects of human-animal communication, from both human and animals (farmed and pet) point of view. It is also interested in understanding how empathy can affect the ability of humans to interpret communication cues. Papers can also present results on automatic systems used to record vocalizations or body language and facial expressions, and how these systems can help humans to understand animals or, on the contrary, reduce their ability to connect with animals.

Dr. Monica Battini
Guest Editor

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