Scientists reveal how we can learn to talk to aliens – and stop an intergalactic war if they ever make contact

Scientists have revealed how humans could communicate with aliens in outer space, and even stop intergalactic war if successful.

Academics have compiled the most comprehensive 'extraterrestrial linguistics' to date, designed to ensure any contact with extraterrestrial life is friendly, and not seen as hostile.

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

A new volume compiled by 25 leading experts in linguistics, anthropology, animal communication, philosophy, computer science and biology to “explore the potential nature of extraterrestrial intelligence with linguistic capabilities.” times Reports.

The likes of Noam Chomsky, the American political and social scientist known as the “Father of Modern Linguistics,” contributed to this paper.

“I'm optimistic,” the volume's editor, astrobiologist Dr. Douglas Vakoch, told the newspaper. I think it is realistic that in our lifetime we can receive a message through Seti (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) programs or send messages that can get a response one day.

For decades, humanity has been investigating the possibility of other intelligent life out there in space, even sending out signals and communications in the hopes of one day getting something.

This included sending the Voyager spacecraft beyond our solar system, loaded with a “golden record” complete with greetings in 54 languages, animal greeting sounds and even music.

The new research uses current understanding of human languages ​​and the different ways animals communicate to work out how to “decode intentional otherworldly communication.”

One of the forms of communication that humanity has tried so far is the golden record

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

This could include deciphering ancient languages ​​that have not yet been translated, including Linear A, a writing system used by the Minoans on Crete until 1400 BC, which has been found in artifacts but never deciphered.

It is hoped that academics will be able to create their own Rosetta Stone, or pseudo-translation guide, including keywords that are likely to have meaning across space.

The authors suggest sending a short, simple signal toward “a million star systems once a day.”

If alien contact is detected, they suggest the humans send the exact same message as proof of receipt, before working to decode the message.

This will include looking for patterns in the transmission process that may lead to the detection of codes.

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

However, it is believed that any civilization advanced enough to send messages would likely share important features such as “tool use, symbol use, communication, culture making, and curiosity.”

This means that “many features of human language may be shared with extraterrestrials,” the volume says, adding: “Our attempts to analyze alien messages are more likely to succeed if we can start with simple messages and work our way forward.”

If this approach is not taken, it is feared that any relationship with alien life will remain “more like outcasts waving to each other from separate islands, aware of each other's existence but never able to know more.”