Why study turn‐taking sequences in interspecies interactions?

The “turn-taking” system, a notion referring to the dynamics of verbal exchanges in face-to-face interaction, is often presented as hallmark human language (Levinson, 2016). However, recent works have investigated turn-taking mechanisms several nonhuman taxa, thus moment-by-moment coordinated alternation actions or vocalizations, for instance primates birds. These findings been interpreted evidence elementary forms sequence organization animal world, and therefore evidences an evolutionary pathway, leading from very rough signal alternation, complex multimodal conversational system used by humans. This article first reviews discusses these findings. It then makes case going beyond study uniquely intra-specific communication interaction. argues that considering interspecies interaction interest social sciences general, linguistics scholarship particular, at least two respects. First, on empirical level, investigate widespread phenomenon, namely ordinary human-animal interactions, it occurs mostly domestic settings—a topic has relatively neglected so far (for range reasons we shall touch on). Secondly, more speculative assumes especially they unfold with pets wild animals natural settings (vs. experimental settings), are valuable locus explore rudimentary organization, neither governed linguistic cultural norms, nor entirely product stereotypical species-related behavioral patterns. We posit fundamental principles sociality be found contextual adjustments emergence meaning interactions.