Animal and Human Communication What is language and are humans the only ones who have it?

Communication Transfer of information from one entity to another. Types of communication include: Chemical/Hormonal (within our bodies) Electrical (eg. Fish) Tactile Visual Auditory

Animal Communication Bees http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ijI-g4jHg

Whales Humpback Whales http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKeGP-jPB50&list=PL50a2EHouN8FZf49 QlSYV2dWKDUvQfgm2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPPjS4uMwtw

Vervet Monkeys Four distinct calls for four different preditors: Python Baboon Leopard Eagles

Parrots Alex, the Grey Parrot

16 Features of Language Uses the Vocal-auditory channel - can be done while doing other things Uses broadcast transmission - need not see speaker to understand message Uses directional reception - stereoscopic sound locates speaker Interchangeabiliby - each is capable of saying what any other says - not so male vs female signals in other animals

16 Features of Language 5) Complete feedback - speaker hears self and monitors message 6) Specialization - is used for no other purpose than communication 7) Semanticity – many complex symbols tied to exact meanings 8) Arbitrariness - no intrinsic relationship between symbols and their meanings

16 Features of Language 9) Discreteness - no continuous sounds (eg. sirens) 10) Displacement - can talk about the past, or about things not present spatially 11) Open system - can make unique new statements and be understood 12) Duality of patterning - sound and meaning are linked

16 Features of Language 13) Cultural transmission - no genetic inheritance of specific rules/sounds/meanings 14) Prevarication - can lie - most animals cannot 15) Reflexiveness - we use language to discuss language 16) Learnability - can learn multiple language

Animal Communication Is it language? Video When Animals Talk