Recent research suggests that slow down the language when talking to dogs It can greatly improve the understanding between humans and animals. According to a study from the University of Geneva, conducted on 30 dogs and 27 people, humans tend to speak more slowly to their dogs than to other people, using a rhythm of around three syllables per second. This slower pace better matches dogs’ ability to process sounds, which occurs at a slower rate than humans
In fact, dogs bark, growl and whine at a rate of approximately two vocalizations per secondsignificantly slower than the average speed of human speech, which stands at four syllables per second. However, when people interact with their pets, they tend to slow down their voices naturally, helping dogs better understand not only commands but also emotional nuances of the speech.
The content and tone of voice are also important
The dogs’ neural responses, studied through electroencephalography (EEG), showed that their brains they process language using delta rhythms which are slower than the theta rhythms used by the human brain. This means that dogs respond better to a slower speaking rate, as it suits their ability to perceive and understand vocal sounds.
In addition to the speed of speech, also the content and tone of voice (prosody) they play a crucial role in facilitating communication between dogs and humans. Dogs are particularly sensitive to tonal variations, which help them interpret the emotional meaning of words, thus making commands and daily interactions more effective.
This mutual adaptation between humans and dogs suggests that communication between the two species has developed over time, allowing both to understand each other better despite the obvious differences in language. The unique bond that forms between dogs and humans, strengthened by these vocal adaptations, may be one of the factors that has contributed to the close evolutionary relationship between the two species and the bond we have with our four-legged friends.
