Vocal communication is the study of how sound is used by animals, including humans, to convey information to others. This can include the production and perception of speech sounds, as well as non-verbal vocal signals such as laughter, crying, or grunts. Researchers in this field may investigate the physical mechanisms involved in producing vocalizations, the cognitive processes involved in understanding them, and the social or emotional functions of vocal communication in different species. Studies may also explore how vocal signals evolve and vary across different cultures or contexts. Overall, vocal communication research seeks to understand how animals use sound to convey meaning and interact with their environment.