‘But for calves we were sweeter’. Traditional Finnish cattle calling as trans-species pidgin

Examining archived recorded cattle calls, this article describes the traditional Finnish ways of cattle calling and suggests that these calls were a trans-species pidgin, a variety made more accessible to animals. This variety used simplified grammar with specific constructions, special phonetic features, melody, rhythmic alterations, gestures, changes in sound quality, and material objects; the purpose was to establish understanding between humans and animals. Furthermore, the article shows how these calls were modified when different species of domestic animals were called. Grazing practices, appearance and the behaviour of animals, as well as landscapes and the aspiration for beauty all influenced how these calls would evolve. • Traditional Finnish cattle calls are a trans -species language variety. • They feature simplified grammar, special constructions, and phonetic specialities. • Callers would also alter their calls according to the recipient animal species. • Animal-specific alterations included changing pitch, tempo, and/or sound quality. • These alterations were brought on by, for example, distance and animals' appearance.