To answer the question what does it mean to learn we must first define the word “learn”. This paper will explore what it means learn based on its definition and will relate it to the lectures, articles and Catch a Fire: Riddim Track: An introduction.
The Oxford English Dictionary definition of learn is “to acquire knowledge of (a subject) or skill in (an art, etc.) as a result of study, experience, or teaching” (Oxford University Press, 2016). Professor Susan Redditt, EdD paralleled the differences in learning between humans and animals in the lecture "Learning, History, and More Than Just a Rasta Musician". She points out that animals and humans learn but through listening, watching, modeling others, and social interaction; human learning …show more content…
Scientists thinking that primates were the best choice for human versus animal experiments were surprised when Pepperberg chose an African gray parrot for the study. Alex the parrot, with a brain the size of a walnut, lived to be 31 and was acquired from a pet shop. We see in the article that Alex the parrot gains dominance in his flock and even has different reactions ranging from excitement to aloofness depending on the gender of the researchers he interacted with. Alex demonstrates learning when asking for food when he has not been fed. We also see that Alex can interpret shapes, colors, and quantity. His ability to distinguish between shapes and colors shows higher level of cognition that was only thought to be possessed by higher level mammals. As the article points out all living organisms need these basic skills to survive. Knowing what you can eat, when it is ripe to eat, and being able to distinguish predators are not skills that you possess but are skill you acquire. Pepperberg also explains how Alex was learning to count. While Alex knows the concept of counting he practices counting to seven by unsuccessfully imitating the sound that Pepperberg makes when saying the word. We see that Alex has learned the concept of seven but his vocal tract has not developed to say the …show more content…
His masterful use of language paint pictures that with some reflection reveals the pain and oppression the Jamaican people feel. While Marley had utopic views of Africa after he visited he saw first-hand that it was much like Jamaica socially, economically, and politically. He also learned that those we hold in high regard are still human. We see this as Marley is shaken by the death of Haile Selassie. The reality of Selassie’s death and the lack of honor of a person who was so influential in his faith made him consider his own
The Oxford English Dictionary definition of learn is “to acquire knowledge of (a subject) or skill in (an art, etc.) as a result of study, experience, or teaching” (Oxford University Press, 2016). Professor Susan Redditt, EdD paralleled the differences in learning between humans and animals in the lecture "Learning, History, and More Than Just a Rasta Musician". She points out that animals and humans learn but through listening, watching, modeling others, and social interaction; human learning …show more content…
Scientists thinking that primates were the best choice for human versus animal experiments were surprised when Pepperberg chose an African gray parrot for the study. Alex the parrot, with a brain the size of a walnut, lived to be 31 and was acquired from a pet shop. We see in the article that Alex the parrot gains dominance in his flock and even has different reactions ranging from excitement to aloofness depending on the gender of the researchers he interacted with. Alex demonstrates learning when asking for food when he has not been fed. We also see that Alex can interpret shapes, colors, and quantity. His ability to distinguish between shapes and colors shows higher level of cognition that was only thought to be possessed by higher level mammals. As the article points out all living organisms need these basic skills to survive. Knowing what you can eat, when it is ripe to eat, and being able to distinguish predators are not skills that you possess but are skill you acquire. Pepperberg also explains how Alex was learning to count. While Alex knows the concept of counting he practices counting to seven by unsuccessfully imitating the sound that Pepperberg makes when saying the word. We see that Alex has learned the concept of seven but his vocal tract has not developed to say the …show more content…
His masterful use of language paint pictures that with some reflection reveals the pain and oppression the Jamaican people feel. While Marley had utopic views of Africa after he visited he saw first-hand that it was much like Jamaica socially, economically, and politically. He also learned that those we hold in high regard are still human. We see this as Marley is shaken by the death of Haile Selassie. The reality of Selassie’s death and the lack of honor of a person who was so influential in his faith made him consider his own