Human languages and animal communication systems have been studied immensely, and it is intriguing to study how similar animal communication systems, such as those of elephants, are to human languages. Elephants have several methods of communicating, including acoustic, visual, tactile, seismic, and chemical communication (Acoustic Communication). The acoustic method of communication in elephants is most similar to most human language systems, and will therefore be the focus of this paper. First, human language must be defined and parameters must be set for what human language really is. Timothy Jay explains that human language must be communicative, arbitrary, structured, multilayered, productive, and evolutionary (Jay 2). In addition, two more features of human language should be considered when discussing communication systems, which are discreteness and displacement (Hutchins, Class Notes).
The first, and probably most basic, feature of human language is that it is communicative.
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However, human language is structured, and language has to have rule-governed patterns of sounds, letters, and meaningful words (Jay 3). Obviously, are no letters or words in elephant communication, but do the sounds follow a structured pattern? Human language is special in that placing words in random orders will not make a meaningful sentence. An elephant will make a specific rumble twelve times within half an hour in order to express that it wants to go a certain direction, while facing in that direction (Acoustic Communication). Although this is an indication of communication, this is not an indication of structure. The elephant could present various different calls in different orders, yet still be expressing the same idea – that there is a predator nearby, or that there is an intended direction of
9. Research on the language capabilities of apes clearly demonstrates that they have the capacity to:
Have you ever wondered how animals interact and work together to get a job done? Many times, animals put their minds together to complete a task. But what many people do not realize is that animals interact with one another just as humans would. In many instances, people don’t realize the amount of intelligence and common sense that animals, such as the elephant, possess. The study of elephant’s thoughts and thinking were explained and backed up through three different mediums. This information was explained through articles, videos, and passages. Combined, these pieces of work clarified what the experiment was, what it was testing, the purpose behind it, and how the different pieces were
“…animals, plants and even “inert” entities such as stones and rivers are perceived as being articulate and at times intelligible subjects, able to communicate and interact with humans for good or ill. In addition to human language, there is also the language of birds, the wind, earthworms, wolves and waterfalls – a world of autonomous speakers whose intents (especially for hunter-gatherer peoples) one ignores at one’s peril” (Manes 15).
In the early stage of human life, an infant who is in their mother’s womb has already experienced communicating their language through actions by responding to their mother’s voice by kicking. Hence communicating their language will then expand from just limited actions to words as they develop throughout the years. And the four structural Language components; phonology, semantics, grammar and pragmatics will be involved during the stages of their language development and these components are significantly supported by the roles of nature and nurture. Fellowes & Oakley (2014, p. 21) ‘The phonological component of language comprises the various sounds that are used in speaking.
The prehistoric times stand evidence to the power of language as a tool for communication and growth. Language has proven to be an effective medium and factor surrounding the evolution of man. Language has played a big role in the development of individuals and societies. What is spoken and/or written, help in the initiation of imagination, expression of feelings, and conveyance of thoughts and ideas. “The pen is mightier than the sword” (Bulwer-Lytton 1839).
Do non-human primates have communication, language, both, or neither? By definition, communication is the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information (Snowdon). Communication is very closely related to social behavior since they are both referring to the ways animals interact with each other (Quiatt and Reynolds 1993). Conversely, language is defined as a system of communication using sounds or gestures that are put together in meaningful ways according to a set of rules (Haviland et al. 2010). Non-human primates and human primates are similar in many ways, and communication is no exception.
Before getting into any great detail concerning the complexity of what language is and its relationship with the term Ebonics, Ebonics must first be defined. It is considered to be best described as “black speech” and therefore can be referred to as an “undefined language.” Many consider language to be a spoken tongue belonging to a nationality of people, so in general, and for the sake of clarity in this work, language is a general communication concept by which species relate to themselves and others. It is also a set of rules combined to establish a designated communication system.
Language is commonly held to be the province of humans, but other inhabitants of earth possess their own forms of communication. Birds, dolphins, and whales are some of those that have a language. Primates also use vocal communication with each other. Their utterances have varied uses and volumes, with each primate’s voice being distinct just as human voices are. These unique calls have given researchers insight into the social workings of primate groups. The very fact that primates have a language offers insight into the evolution of language and calls into question what the term human truly means.
In 1977 Irene Pepperberg, a recent graduate of Harvard University, did something very bold. At a time when animals still were considered automatons, she set out to find what was on another creature’s mind by talking to it. She brought a one-year-old African gray parrot she named Alex into her lab to teach him to reproduce the sounds of the English language. “I thought if he learned to communicate, I could ask him questions about how he sees the world.”
Language is a very powerful tool. It is a means of basic communication, and has been around for centuries. Just like any other tool, language can be powerful in a positive or negative way, and can either work to one's advantage or can result in negative effects. Certain words can touch a certain chord inside someone, so they can be easily influenced by the language. A good example of this is George Orwell's Animal Farm, a fable in which a multitude of gullible animals are exploited by a group of power mongering pigs. Words can appeal to a persons basic needs and desires and conjure up hope or even fear in his or her mind. These emotions can be manipulated by others to their own advantage, and clever use of language can be used to cheat, deceive, spread rumors. In Animal Farm, Orwell shows how the pig's use of influential language manipulates and enslaves the animals.
Language plays a very important role in the pig’s power. Due to the pigs being the smartest, language can be used to keep their power over the other animals. The pigs use their intelligence and language to manipulate the other animals on the farm. They would say “All animals are equal.”(11) but they know that they are superior due to their ability to manipulate the others through language. Squealer for example would use words that many animals would not understand to make the animals think being ruled by the pigs is a good thing. Through language the pigs are able to secure their position as leaders on the farm as well as get the animals working for less.
Those with better communication abilities had a significant advantage over those who did not. Language could have helped ensure survival of their current generation such as using vocalizations as a warning sign that an animal was attacking. For hunting, communication would add a level of organiz...
Next, we shall evaluate the key features of language which are; communicative, arbitrary, structured, generative, and dynamic. Communicative, language can allow one to interact with another. According to Willingham (2007), the bond found with the elements in language and what they mean is arbitrary. The way language is set up shows how the symbols are not arbitrary. The set up language shows precisely how intricate it can be. Generative, one is able to build countless number of meanings from words. Dynamic, language never stays the same, therefore it can be known as sporadic. According to Willingham (2007), changes are being made all the time as new words get added and as the ways of grammar change. These elements can be quite critical when it comes to language.
Something else native speakers understand is the context of statements. We can easily tell when someone is being literal or just trying to make a joke. There are many different characteristics to a language. According to Charles Hockett, a language must consist of communication, mode of communication, semanticity, pragmatic function, interchangeability, arbitrariness, discreteness, displacement, productivity, cultural transmission, prevarication and reflexiveness. To be able to transfer a message from a source to a receiver and how that message is transmitted are all important for a language. Originally, Hockett’s design features only included a vocal-auditory channel but he later added on sounds, visual cues, touch, odor, and electrical signs. This expansion occurred because you have to consider animal communication as well. Both animals and humans have the innate ability to communicate but there are differences between the two systems. Animal communication is confined to a very small set of topics that they discuss which is usually about survival. Humans are able to talk about the present and past, or the immediate environment, known as displacement, and are able to develop concepts and ideas
Secondly, it is that language in entertwined with the structure of the relationship between the Individual and Other, meaning that language is integral to any relation between consciousnesses. Ones language is