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

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

3. Animal Communication
Bees

4. Whales Humpback Whales
Scientists believe the songs are to attract female whales during mating season.

5. Predator Calls as Symbols
VERVET MONKEYS
Four distinct calls for four different predators:
Python
Baboon
Leopard
Eagles
PRAIRIE DOGS
Calls for multiple specific predators
Calls that convey descriptive information
about the general size, color, and speed of
travel of the predator

6. Parrots Alex, the Grey Parrot
A Short Youtube Video about Alex, The Parrot
The New York Times Obituary for Alex

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Animal Communication Is it language? Chimpanzees –Washoe, Bobby
Bonobos – Kanzi, Panbanisha
Orangutans – Princess, Chantec
Gorillas – Koko, Michael