UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER the word for food each bird speaks instantly translates across species the sparrow falls on the seed with a chirp the others understand some coming behind have not song but only a gravelly outburst but this too is understood as a shout of joy the word for hungry could be rung like a single round tone the phrase for seeking but finding nothing could be made into a melody and none would draw near but the dullest word for food here simplest harshest appeals