Stop intergalactic war: scientists shared rules for communicating with aliens

American scientists have scientifically established the rules for communication between people and alien creatures. The study involved 25 leading experts in the fields of linguistics, anthropology, animal communication, philosophy, computer science and biology. Scientists are convinced that this knowledge, if successful, will help stop intergalactic war.

Scientists have compiled the most comprehensive “science of extraterrestrial language” to date, designed to ensure that any contact with extraterrestrial life will be friendly and not perceived as hostile. The Daily Mail reports this.

A 2020 study published in the Astrophysical Journal estimated that there are about 36 “advanced” civilizations in the Milky Way Galaxy alone, although identifying or contacting any of them has so far remained beyond the reach of humanity.

The new volume, compiled by 25 leading experts in linguistics, anthropology, animal communication, philosophy, computer science and biology, aims to “explore the potential nature of extraterrestrial intelligence with linguistic abilities,” the Times reports.

Among the participants in the preparation of the article is such a scientific luminary as the American political scientist and sociologist Noam Chomsky, known as the “father of modern linguistics.”

The volume’s editor, astrobiologist Dr. Douglas Vakoch, told the newspaper: “I’m optimistic. “I think it’s quite possible that in our lifetime we could receive a message through the Network (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) programs or send messages that could someday be answered.”

For decades, humanity has explored the possibility of other intelligent life in space and even sent signals and messages in the hope of one day receiving something in return, writes the Daily Mail.

A new study uses our current understanding of human languages ​​and the different ways animals communicate to find out how to “decipher intentional communication from another world.”

Scientists have previously concluded that there is a small but possible chance of successful contact with alien life, but this article highlights that huge strides are still needed on Earth to improve humanity’s chances.

This could include deciphering ancient languages ​​that have not yet been translated, including Linear A (the writing system used by the Minoan civilization of Crete before 1400 BC and found on artifacts but never deciphered).

The hope is that scientists could even create their own Rosetta Stone or pseudo-translation manual, including key words that are likely to have meaning in the cosmos.

The authors propose sending a short and simple signal to “a million star systems once a day.”

If contact with aliens is ever made, they invite humans to send back the same message as proof of receipt before deciphering it.

But scientists add that since it takes four years to reach the nearest star other than the Sun at the speed of light, communication will be slow. It is also possible that other life forms have completely different body chemistry and communication methods that humans cannot understand.

Despite this, it is believed that any civilization advanced enough to send messages will likely share important traits such as “tool use, symbol use, communication, culture creation, and curiosity.”

The work says that this means: “many features of human language may be characteristic of aliens.” The researchers add: “Our attempts to analyze alien messages are more likely to succeed if we can start with simple messages and work our way up.”

If this approach is not adopted, there are fears that any relationship with alien life will remain “akin to castaways waving to each other from different islands, aware of each other’s existence but never able to find out more.”