Language

Managing editor Sandra Upson introduces the September/October 2013 issue of Scientific American MIND

Insights from psychology can make us better readers, writers and thinkers

When separated from a packmate, a wolf's howl intensity is determined by the closeness of its partnership with the departed individual, not by that individual's rank. Arielle Duhaime-Ross reports.

Author of the Harry Potter books has a distinct linguistic signature

Dolphins can recall the signature whistles of former companions, even after decades of separation. Sophie Bushwick reports

Mounting evidence from species as diverse as cats and dolphins indicates that humans are not the only species that grieves over the loss of loved ones

Two scholars offer scientific advice on getting the most happiness for your dollar

People with multicultural backgrounds may change a speech pattern in their second language after seeing an icon from their first culture. Cynthia Graber reports

The lower air pressure at high altitudes may be a factor in why ejective consonants are more popular in languages spoken higher up. Sophie Bushwick reports

A fascinating new neuroscience experiment probes an ancient philosophical question—and hints that you might want to get out more

A study analyzed nearly 1,000 speed dates and their aftermaths to find out what conversational cues work best for people to click. Amy Kraft reports