Why Are Some Animals So Smart Essay

704 Words2 Pages

We did not become who we are over night; humans have evolved through many years. Language is the tool that developed our culture; it is so powerful and we can’t take it for granted. The seminar explored how our language tools came to be, it identified the issues using these tools for the good or evil. This tool shapes our identity creating knowledge and cultures.
In the article, “Why Are Some Animals So Smart? ” the author compares us humans to the orangutans. In the orangutan culture, all their knowledge is passed down through their social life. When one orangutan learns a new innovative technique, that technique is shared and transferred down to the next generation. This becomes a culture within the group or tribe. Similarly, humans learn through their elders and by our experiences too. We mimic and learn from our parents, they are the ones that pass down the knowledge to us. In order to transfer knowledge you need communication. Long ago before language was created, we used symbols as a way of communication. The article "How we came to be HUMAN" talks about how important language is to our survival. Shon said, "without communication, we are limited in advancing. Speech allows us to carry traditions." If we were not able to communicate it will limit us in furthering ourselves. …show more content…

People in power can use words to oppress certain people to gain control. In the article "Nobel Lecture" it is about the power of the human language. Language has progressed drastically over many years. Languages were used as a way of survival, but now words are more dangerous and can be used to harm or to help. Valeria said "Words have a big impact; language can be used in a horrible direction or a beautiful direction." Words have the power to oppress and portray a person or a group of people. Depending on how words are passed down it can affect the generation in a positive or negative

Open Document