When the human mind comes across the word language, some of the first responses might be, what kind of language? English? Spanish? Etc. But that is just the initial reaction due to the thought of a language being a verbal gesture from one human to the next. There are many different verbal languages around the world, depending on geographic location, culture, ethnicity, etc. But there are many more way of communication than just language. Actions such as body language, appearances, facial expression, etc. Its actually incredible the amount of communication there is between humans on a daily, even hourly basis. But there are also many ways animals can communicate as well. Language is something that has become universal, species might not speak
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These include: sighing, crying in sorrow, groaning, crying with pain, screaming with fright, and laughing.” (Shanafelt). When we think of language, we specifically think of communication between individual humans or groups, but do not take into account that animals and species alike also communicate in different ways through language. Webster’s definition of language is a prime example, “the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other,” ("Language | Definition of Language by Merriam-Webster,”). This definition excludes all communication between living organisms that are not humans. A prime example of language in animals is the fact that dogs can read body language and facial expression just as well as people can. For example, my dog can tell that I’m upset or angry with her when she does something bad before I even say anything or discipline her, solely by reading my facial expression. This concept can also apply towards animals like chimpanzees or gorillas even though its more directed with each other rather than towards humans. It is quite amazing that certain scientist may disregard the application of communication between animals and believe it should only be applied as a human …show more content…
I have a little knowledge of sign language because I have close family friends with 4 daughters, one being completely deaf, and one 80% deaf. The completely deaf daughter teaches at an all deaf high school, which I think is quite awesome. Sign language is unique because it uses many cues involving the body including: for masculine characteristics there are signs that are above the nose and on the upper face of an individual, for feminine it is the lower half of the face; facial expressions can also speak more than just the sign itself and often used with a sign. Also people using sign language make conversations very personal, for example interpreting such things like directions, its always from the signer’s point of view. All of these characteristics of sign language are specific to humans due to the complexity but still use body language and facial expression just as much as any verbal conversation or any animal communication.
Language is something in our everyday lives. I cannot remember the last time I went a full day without either saying something to somebody or even saying it to myself. Animals are the same way, whether that is barking, whining, yawning, etc. I believe scientist should not separate humans from other species in the conversation of language or communication. Yes, humans might seem more intelligent,
These include: sighing, crying in sorrow, groaning, crying with pain, screaming with fright, and laughing.” (Shanafelt). When we think of language, we specifically think of communication between individual humans or groups, but do not take into account that animals and species alike also communicate in different ways through language. Webster’s definition of language is a prime example, “the system of words or signs that people use to express thoughts and feelings to each other,” ("Language | Definition of Language by Merriam-Webster,”). This definition excludes all communication between living organisms that are not humans. A prime example of language in animals is the fact that dogs can read body language and facial expression just as well as people can. For example, my dog can tell that I’m upset or angry with her when she does something bad before I even say anything or discipline her, solely by reading my facial expression. This concept can also apply towards animals like chimpanzees or gorillas even though its more directed with each other rather than towards humans. It is quite amazing that certain scientist may disregard the application of communication between animals and believe it should only be applied as a human …show more content…
I have a little knowledge of sign language because I have close family friends with 4 daughters, one being completely deaf, and one 80% deaf. The completely deaf daughter teaches at an all deaf high school, which I think is quite awesome. Sign language is unique because it uses many cues involving the body including: for masculine characteristics there are signs that are above the nose and on the upper face of an individual, for feminine it is the lower half of the face; facial expressions can also speak more than just the sign itself and often used with a sign. Also people using sign language make conversations very personal, for example interpreting such things like directions, its always from the signer’s point of view. All of these characteristics of sign language are specific to humans due to the complexity but still use body language and facial expression just as much as any verbal conversation or any animal communication.
Language is something in our everyday lives. I cannot remember the last time I went a full day without either saying something to somebody or even saying it to myself. Animals are the same way, whether that is barking, whining, yawning, etc. I believe scientist should not separate humans from other species in the conversation of language or communication. Yes, humans might seem more intelligent,