Mary Elizabeth Lowe
English 1101
Dr. Hughes
04 September 2009
Language is a vital part of our existence which serves as a tool of communication not only between humans but animals as well. While animals might not be able to verbally speak to us, I know that certain requests are made and offered. Dogs for example prove this fact on a daily basis. When a dog is hungry he or she sits and stares at the food bowl. When play is desired, jumping and yelping emanates from the animal. This intentional body language is a part of communication but I believe animals have the potential for far greater bounds in language if certain characteristics and training were present.
Within Yule’s research about animal communication there were several astounding instances of this such as Washoe, the signing chimpanzee, and Sara, the symbol speaking chimpanzee. These are phenomenal examples of animals being able to communicate with humans, even if it be on a toddler’s level. One definite advantage chimpanzees have though, is the physical attributes which are very similar to a human’s hands and arms. It quickly becomes apparent that in order to communicate in American Sign Language, these physical similarities are quite necessary. This fact persuades me to think that only monkey varieties of animals would be able to communicate on a human level of sign language simply due to the observation of physical attributes. Even if dogs or cats were brilliant and great thoughts were considered in their minds, they would have no way of expressing those discoveries and emotions except through futile barking. This is very similar to the plight of the vocabulary limited person. Even if an individual contemplates earth shattering thoughts, they do not have the necessary tools to communicate them to the world.
Moving forward on the purposed belief that animals contain thoughts, those reflections would only be able to be exposed to humans if a new system of communication was used or invented. Instead of sign language Morse code or paining could be a means of communicating to people. However, since I do not think this is a plausible future reality, I would have to say domestic animals have virtually reached their limit concerning intentional communication with humans. This chapter enlightened me to a world of language powers, but I do not think animals have a patient enough disposition or the needed physical or mental qualities to continue any further down the road of communication. While potential is a goal upon the horizon, does anyone ever truly reach this ambition? I believe only time will tell in both the animal and the human world.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Who needs the dog whisperer?
Leila Shearon
Blog 3
9.4.09
Many people see language as a means of strictly communication between humans. I must say that these people disregard the complexity of language. One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of language is “the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community”. Many people look past the rest of the definition, “a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings”. Humans are not the only beings that are able to make sounds and gesture. It is a fairly agreed statement that animals are able to communicate within their species. Is it possible that, to an extent, animals can communicate with humans? When your dog barks aggressively at the door it usually means someone is at the door and he feels threatened. Also, when a dog whines and scampers away with his tail between his legs it means he is frightened. Is this not communication? Is this not language? People may agree that animals can present some types of messages to us. But, can they understand us. When your mom your best friend is angry with you does the tone of their voice changes? I believe that animals may not completely understand the sentence that was spoken but, the tone of voice. Tone of voice is made up of the pitch and volume. The way the words are delivered and the manner are speaking also make up the tone. If one speaks in a loud, angry tone and say the word, "Good dog." One would see a dog cower although, you are actually complimenting him. If you would reverse is and call the dog insulting names in a soothing voice he will wag his tail with happiness. Tone and gestures are a huge aspect of language. It assists not only humans but also animals in communicating easier.
Blog 3
9.4.09
Many people see language as a means of strictly communication between humans. I must say that these people disregard the complexity of language. One of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of language is “the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community”. Many people look past the rest of the definition, “a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings”. Humans are not the only beings that are able to make sounds and gesture. It is a fairly agreed statement that animals are able to communicate within their species. Is it possible that, to an extent, animals can communicate with humans? When your dog barks aggressively at the door it usually means someone is at the door and he feels threatened. Also, when a dog whines and scampers away with his tail between his legs it means he is frightened. Is this not communication? Is this not language? People may agree that animals can present some types of messages to us. But, can they understand us. When your mom your best friend is angry with you does the tone of their voice changes? I believe that animals may not completely understand the sentence that was spoken but, the tone of voice. Tone of voice is made up of the pitch and volume. The way the words are delivered and the manner are speaking also make up the tone. If one speaks in a loud, angry tone and say the word, "Good dog." One would see a dog cower although, you are actually complimenting him. If you would reverse is and call the dog insulting names in a soothing voice he will wag his tail with happiness. Tone and gestures are a huge aspect of language. It assists not only humans but also animals in communicating easier.
Communication With Animals Is No Longer Just For Dr. Doolittle
Jonathan Dishon
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
September 4, 2009
As everyone knows humans are the smartest animals on the planet, but that does not mean that other animals cannot communicate with us. They may not be able to speak our language but they find other ways to get our attention and let us know what they want. There are many ways that they can do this. For example dogs bark loudly and run to the door if they want to go outside or they will cower and whimper if they are scared. They also will jump all over you and go crazy when they see after a long time. Dogs are the prime example of how animals of what many would call lower intelligence can communicate with humans, but they are not the only ones. Another example is Koko the gorilla. Koko is able to communicate with her trainer through sign language. Koko has been brought up with sign language for in her whole life pretty much, and is now able to communicate on about the level of a toddler. This feat alone is incredible, but what is even more amazing is her ability to communicate emotions. She was given a kitten that would keep her company, and she acted very differently around the cat. She was more energetic and just seemed happier. This greatly resembles what humans do when they are either with their friends or family. She would play with the kitten all the time and developed a great affection for her new friend. So when she found out that her new friend was hit by a car and killed she was devastated. Koko was able to show her sadness by signing “bad”, “sad”, and other depressing words to her trainer. Now every animal is not able to communicate to humans through sign language, but they do have ways of doing so. Whether they change the tone of their sound, the gesture or posture of their bodies, or their attitude, they show humans what they would like to do or how they are feeling.
ENG 1101
Dr. Hughes
September 4, 2009
As everyone knows humans are the smartest animals on the planet, but that does not mean that other animals cannot communicate with us. They may not be able to speak our language but they find other ways to get our attention and let us know what they want. There are many ways that they can do this. For example dogs bark loudly and run to the door if they want to go outside or they will cower and whimper if they are scared. They also will jump all over you and go crazy when they see after a long time. Dogs are the prime example of how animals of what many would call lower intelligence can communicate with humans, but they are not the only ones. Another example is Koko the gorilla. Koko is able to communicate with her trainer through sign language. Koko has been brought up with sign language for in her whole life pretty much, and is now able to communicate on about the level of a toddler. This feat alone is incredible, but what is even more amazing is her ability to communicate emotions. She was given a kitten that would keep her company, and she acted very differently around the cat. She was more energetic and just seemed happier. This greatly resembles what humans do when they are either with their friends or family. She would play with the kitten all the time and developed a great affection for her new friend. So when she found out that her new friend was hit by a car and killed she was devastated. Koko was able to show her sadness by signing “bad”, “sad”, and other depressing words to her trainer. Now every animal is not able to communicate to humans through sign language, but they do have ways of doing so. Whether they change the tone of their sound, the gesture or posture of their bodies, or their attitude, they show humans what they would like to do or how they are feeling.
Blog Three
Jennifer Conley
Ms. Hughes
Language Controversies
4 September 2009
When most us think of what language our first thought is all the different dialects people have. We fail to think of gestures or behaviors until we are made to think deeper on the subject. Language is universal whether we speak the same dialects or not, or just all together can not talk and have to use sign language. Most of the time when we can not understand a person we begin to make hand gestures in hope that the person we are talking to can try to understand us. This is where most people pretty much stop the thought of communication and just completely disregard the communication they have with their pets. I believe domesticated animals are more than capable to communicate. Whereas they do not speak to us in our language they communicate to us through their gestures. In the wild animals associate with sounds such as birds tweet; cats meow and hiss; dogs bark, growl, and wine; cows moo; and this could go on forever, but that is how they speak to each other in their own language. Then when we bring them into our homes and domesticate them, we make a connection with them.
Scientist begin to question animals communication levels at this point. Scientist say that when individuals teach their dog commands that because of the tone in our voice they will learn to respond the way we want them to every time, but not because they understand us. I agree with this part way. I know when my dog, Chip, does something wrong and I get a stern voice or I yell that he knows he is in trouble. However, there are times when Chip does something wrong and I will just tell him he is bad without changing my tone and he will still put his head down and look up at me with his puppy dog eyes in the sense that he is saying I am sorry. Angel, my other dog does the same thing. Now this is not the case with all the other pets in the world but there are similarities in all of them. Most people feed their dogs or cats at the same time of the day everyday. It is easy for any specie to get into a schedule so its understandable when people talk about their pets letting them know that it is time to be fed. After these two points I start to disagree with scientist who believe in mimicry. I believe that when you have pets you have a bond and relationship with him/her. For example, if I have a bad day or something wrong happens and I get upset to the point that I am crying I usually go to my room so nobody else knows. Just when I think I am going get away with no one knowing I hear Chip, my dog, at my door wining to come in. Usually when he sits with me he rolls over so I can scratch his belly or something to that affect, but when I am upset he will come in and just sit there or lay next to me, like he wants me to know he is there. This shows a sympathetic gesture on his part.
Tone is used between animals when they talk to each other but it can also be used to get humans attention too. For example, Chip doesn't just bark at somebody who comes to the door or when he sees another dog. If he can see out the window of my front door, and the wind blows the trees, he barks. He barks at just about anything that makes a noise that he's not use to or anything he sees outside. However, instead of thinking someone is at the door I can tell the difference in his tones in his barks. When the wind blows the trees he barks two to three times but it is more of a low muffled bark. Then if something is outside or someone is at the door, he barks really loud and it is more drawn out.
In these few examples I have only stated what I have observed on my own. There are cases like KoKo's that have been recorded by scientist for scientific research to prove that she could speak sign language after being taught and she had feelings because of her cat all ball who died. Now whether or not you believe the scientific research is your own opinion, but take into consideration the relationship you have with your pet or other people have with their pets.
Ms. Hughes
Language Controversies
4 September 2009
When most us think of what language our first thought is all the different dialects people have. We fail to think of gestures or behaviors until we are made to think deeper on the subject. Language is universal whether we speak the same dialects or not, or just all together can not talk and have to use sign language. Most of the time when we can not understand a person we begin to make hand gestures in hope that the person we are talking to can try to understand us. This is where most people pretty much stop the thought of communication and just completely disregard the communication they have with their pets. I believe domesticated animals are more than capable to communicate. Whereas they do not speak to us in our language they communicate to us through their gestures. In the wild animals associate with sounds such as birds tweet; cats meow and hiss; dogs bark, growl, and wine; cows moo; and this could go on forever, but that is how they speak to each other in their own language. Then when we bring them into our homes and domesticate them, we make a connection with them.
Scientist begin to question animals communication levels at this point. Scientist say that when individuals teach their dog commands that because of the tone in our voice they will learn to respond the way we want them to every time, but not because they understand us. I agree with this part way. I know when my dog, Chip, does something wrong and I get a stern voice or I yell that he knows he is in trouble. However, there are times when Chip does something wrong and I will just tell him he is bad without changing my tone and he will still put his head down and look up at me with his puppy dog eyes in the sense that he is saying I am sorry. Angel, my other dog does the same thing. Now this is not the case with all the other pets in the world but there are similarities in all of them. Most people feed their dogs or cats at the same time of the day everyday. It is easy for any specie to get into a schedule so its understandable when people talk about their pets letting them know that it is time to be fed. After these two points I start to disagree with scientist who believe in mimicry. I believe that when you have pets you have a bond and relationship with him/her. For example, if I have a bad day or something wrong happens and I get upset to the point that I am crying I usually go to my room so nobody else knows. Just when I think I am going get away with no one knowing I hear Chip, my dog, at my door wining to come in. Usually when he sits with me he rolls over so I can scratch his belly or something to that affect, but when I am upset he will come in and just sit there or lay next to me, like he wants me to know he is there. This shows a sympathetic gesture on his part.
Tone is used between animals when they talk to each other but it can also be used to get humans attention too. For example, Chip doesn't just bark at somebody who comes to the door or when he sees another dog. If he can see out the window of my front door, and the wind blows the trees, he barks. He barks at just about anything that makes a noise that he's not use to or anything he sees outside. However, instead of thinking someone is at the door I can tell the difference in his tones in his barks. When the wind blows the trees he barks two to three times but it is more of a low muffled bark. Then if something is outside or someone is at the door, he barks really loud and it is more drawn out.
In these few examples I have only stated what I have observed on my own. There are cases like KoKo's that have been recorded by scientist for scientific research to prove that she could speak sign language after being taught and she had feelings because of her cat all ball who died. Now whether or not you believe the scientific research is your own opinion, but take into consideration the relationship you have with your pet or other people have with their pets.
Blog 3: No, Mr. Benson, it's not just mimicry.
Jon Cuccia
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
04 September 2009
When I hear the word “mimicry” or “imitation” in regards to language, I think of arbitrary reproduction, without thought and “devoid of even the barest rudiments of language.” Although by no means on the same linguistic level as humans, I believe that in the few attempts to bestow language upon primates, they have shown an understanding that I would classify as beyond “the barest rudiments of language.”
Through Gua, researchers learned that primates do not poses a vocal tract sophisticated enough to reproduce human words, thus sign language was explored with remarkable results. The chimpanzee Washoe learned more than 100 words and could use them in sentence fragments, displaying similar cognitive ability to a toddler. This included holding simple question and answer conversation as well as understanding signs she never produced. The gorilla Koko showed similar progress, as demonstrated during the short clip showing her requesting her red sweater over the new yellow one.
Of course, the controversy lies within mimicry and imitation, which some have claimed is all the primates were doing. Herbert Terrace described the behavior as a conditioned response to cues provided by humans, often unintentional. He concluded that their linguistic displays were no more than mere “sophisticated tricks.” In response, the Gardners who raised Washoe showed that she could produce correct signs to identify pictures without the presence of any human, and even that a few chimpanzees used sign language amongst themselves with Washoe while no humans were present. Furthermore, a young bonobo named Kanzi grew up accustomed to sign language, and was able to not only sign over 250 words, but even understood spoken English on a basic level equal to that of a three year old child.
To me, the evidence is undeniable. While humans clearly still dominate linguistically, it is unfair to say that animals posses no linguistic capabilities. The primates have shown the ability, though rudimentary, to comprehend the basics human language. While not being worthy of comparison to any human above the age of diapers, these primates provide a level of language far above other animals. Therefore, it would be wrongful to shrug them as off as mere imitators, as though they posses no thought.
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
04 September 2009
When I hear the word “mimicry” or “imitation” in regards to language, I think of arbitrary reproduction, without thought and “devoid of even the barest rudiments of language.” Although by no means on the same linguistic level as humans, I believe that in the few attempts to bestow language upon primates, they have shown an understanding that I would classify as beyond “the barest rudiments of language.”
Through Gua, researchers learned that primates do not poses a vocal tract sophisticated enough to reproduce human words, thus sign language was explored with remarkable results. The chimpanzee Washoe learned more than 100 words and could use them in sentence fragments, displaying similar cognitive ability to a toddler. This included holding simple question and answer conversation as well as understanding signs she never produced. The gorilla Koko showed similar progress, as demonstrated during the short clip showing her requesting her red sweater over the new yellow one.
Of course, the controversy lies within mimicry and imitation, which some have claimed is all the primates were doing. Herbert Terrace described the behavior as a conditioned response to cues provided by humans, often unintentional. He concluded that their linguistic displays were no more than mere “sophisticated tricks.” In response, the Gardners who raised Washoe showed that she could produce correct signs to identify pictures without the presence of any human, and even that a few chimpanzees used sign language amongst themselves with Washoe while no humans were present. Furthermore, a young bonobo named Kanzi grew up accustomed to sign language, and was able to not only sign over 250 words, but even understood spoken English on a basic level equal to that of a three year old child.
To me, the evidence is undeniable. While humans clearly still dominate linguistically, it is unfair to say that animals posses no linguistic capabilities. The primates have shown the ability, though rudimentary, to comprehend the basics human language. While not being worthy of comparison to any human above the age of diapers, these primates provide a level of language far above other animals. Therefore, it would be wrongful to shrug them as off as mere imitators, as though they posses no thought.
"If I Could Talk to the Animals, Learn Their Languages"
Bekah Medford
Hughes
If I Could Talk to the Animals, Learn Their Languages
In the 1967 musical “Dr.Doolittle”, the talented doctor learns to speak to animals by talking with his pat parrot. He converses with many animals: pigs, dogs, ducks, monkeys, and owls. His special understanding of their language allows him to listen and clearly understand their nature. A controversy arises on the topic about humans speaking to animals, like Doolittle, and whether or not a pet is able to communicate with a human. Many people believe they can speak to their own pets and their pets understand them. In contrast, there are just as many people who believe the opposite, that animals cannot communicate and what people believe to be communicating is actually just mimicry. I disagree with the latter of the two. Animals can understand what we are saying and do often try and communicate back.
Now Dr.Doolittle may not be the best example considering he is a fictional character but there are many people with pets that agree animals do communicate. Animals not only try and communicate with humans but also with other animals. A dog lets another dog know that he is on his territory by growling at him… in human terms “back off buster!” Many people come up with the idea that animals cannot communicate because they themselves do not understand the animal language. No one does…even Dr.Doolittle. Does not understanding someone make their language less than another? How can we judge animals on their language when many times people cannot understand a language foreign to their country or even a have trouble understanding dialects?
Many people believe that the only communication an animal can do is just mimicry. I do believe that some of what animals do is mimicry but I believe many animals do communicate in something more. Every time I come home my dog, Jibby, runs and jumps up on me. I know he is telling me “Hello Bekah! Oh I missed you so much!” How can we say this hello is any different from a wave signifying “hello” by a neighbor walking by?
Animals can communicate and understand. Though their understanding maybe not be as strong as our, or as self aware, we cannot judge their language. No one has the right to judge a language they do not understand, or any language by that matter.
Hughes
If I Could Talk to the Animals, Learn Their Languages
In the 1967 musical “Dr.Doolittle”, the talented doctor learns to speak to animals by talking with his pat parrot. He converses with many animals: pigs, dogs, ducks, monkeys, and owls. His special understanding of their language allows him to listen and clearly understand their nature. A controversy arises on the topic about humans speaking to animals, like Doolittle, and whether or not a pet is able to communicate with a human. Many people believe they can speak to their own pets and their pets understand them. In contrast, there are just as many people who believe the opposite, that animals cannot communicate and what people believe to be communicating is actually just mimicry. I disagree with the latter of the two. Animals can understand what we are saying and do often try and communicate back.
Now Dr.Doolittle may not be the best example considering he is a fictional character but there are many people with pets that agree animals do communicate. Animals not only try and communicate with humans but also with other animals. A dog lets another dog know that he is on his territory by growling at him… in human terms “back off buster!” Many people come up with the idea that animals cannot communicate because they themselves do not understand the animal language. No one does…even Dr.Doolittle. Does not understanding someone make their language less than another? How can we judge animals on their language when many times people cannot understand a language foreign to their country or even a have trouble understanding dialects?
Many people believe that the only communication an animal can do is just mimicry. I do believe that some of what animals do is mimicry but I believe many animals do communicate in something more. Every time I come home my dog, Jibby, runs and jumps up on me. I know he is telling me “Hello Bekah! Oh I missed you so much!” How can we say this hello is any different from a wave signifying “hello” by a neighbor walking by?
Animals can communicate and understand. Though their understanding maybe not be as strong as our, or as self aware, we cannot judge their language. No one has the right to judge a language they do not understand, or any language by that matter.
Communication of the Animal Kingdom
Sam Redden
September 4, 2009
Dr.Hughes
Communication of the Animal Kingdom
Pets recognize routines; they pick up really well on events that occur repeatedly. When you get home from a long day at work, you can always look forward to your dog running toward you at the sound of the opening door. That dog has learned that every day at five thirty, you walk through that door. A similar situation is when dinner time rolls around for your dog. He or she knows that it is his or her time to be fed because of repetition.
Frequently, my grandparents forget that it is the time for their dog to be fed. They don’t worry about it too much because they know their pet will let them know. She will gently claw on their legs or go get her food bowl to indicate to them that her empty bowl needs food in it. All of these are ways for her to tell her owners she needs food, to communicate her desire to them. However, this communication is learned communication. She has watched them feed her twice a day for two years and has learned that if she gets their attention by touching them or showing her empty bowl to them, she will get her food. By standing in front of my grandmother with her food dish in her mouth she is signifying “food!” she is not saying, “hello, I noticed that it is approaching eight o’clock and my food bowl remains empty; I would greatly appreciate it if you would pour some food into it.”
Just like my grandparents’ dog, animals communicate through gestures they have learned over time. Some animals have learned through mimicry to communicate through their sounds. A family friend has a cat that serves as her only child. When she sees him and says “hello” he returns a “me-ow” to her, when she says shortly “hey” he replies just the same with “mow.” I do not believe that he knows the different between the two words or even the meanings. He just knows they are directed towards him and he mimics the amount of vowel sounds.
I agree that the animals I have mentioned do understand that they are communicating to their owners what they want or in the cat’s case, just acknowledging my friend. I do not believe that they have a sophisticated language they use to communicate with us or that their gestures or “me-ows” are even a language at all. They have different tones and pitches to their voices; however it doesn’t signify any type of vocabulary.
September 4, 2009
Dr.Hughes
Communication of the Animal Kingdom
Pets recognize routines; they pick up really well on events that occur repeatedly. When you get home from a long day at work, you can always look forward to your dog running toward you at the sound of the opening door. That dog has learned that every day at five thirty, you walk through that door. A similar situation is when dinner time rolls around for your dog. He or she knows that it is his or her time to be fed because of repetition.
Frequently, my grandparents forget that it is the time for their dog to be fed. They don’t worry about it too much because they know their pet will let them know. She will gently claw on their legs or go get her food bowl to indicate to them that her empty bowl needs food in it. All of these are ways for her to tell her owners she needs food, to communicate her desire to them. However, this communication is learned communication. She has watched them feed her twice a day for two years and has learned that if she gets their attention by touching them or showing her empty bowl to them, she will get her food. By standing in front of my grandmother with her food dish in her mouth she is signifying “food!” she is not saying, “hello, I noticed that it is approaching eight o’clock and my food bowl remains empty; I would greatly appreciate it if you would pour some food into it.”
Just like my grandparents’ dog, animals communicate through gestures they have learned over time. Some animals have learned through mimicry to communicate through their sounds. A family friend has a cat that serves as her only child. When she sees him and says “hello” he returns a “me-ow” to her, when she says shortly “hey” he replies just the same with “mow.” I do not believe that he knows the different between the two words or even the meanings. He just knows they are directed towards him and he mimics the amount of vowel sounds.
I agree that the animals I have mentioned do understand that they are communicating to their owners what they want or in the cat’s case, just acknowledging my friend. I do not believe that they have a sophisticated language they use to communicate with us or that their gestures or “me-ows” are even a language at all. They have different tones and pitches to their voices; however it doesn’t signify any type of vocabulary.
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