Properties of Human Language and Animal Communication – Linguistics Study Guide, Key
Features and Comparative Review
Communication: Intentional vs. Unintentional Signals
Distinction of Signals
Communication can be intentional (e.g., stating a fact) or unintentional (e.g., body
language).
Examples of unintentional signals include sneezing (indicating a cold) or shifting in a seat
(indicating discomfort).
Intentional communication is exemplified by clear statements, such as applying for a job.
Glossolalia, or 'speaking in tongues', illustrates non-intentional sound production in
humans, similar to some animal vocalizations.
Birds may produce sounds that are not communicative, but they do have intentional
signals, such as alarm calls when a predator is near.
Intentional Communication in Humans vs. Animals
Humans can reflect on their language use, a feature not observed in animals.
Reflexivity allows humans to discuss language itself, enhancing communication.
Animals communicate primarily about immediate situations, lacking the ability to
discuss abstract concepts or past events.
Example: A dog barking does not convey advice on barking techniques, unlike humans
who can critique language use.
Properties of Human Language
Displacement
Displacement allows humans to communicate about events not present in the
immediate environment.
Example: Humans can discuss past or future events, such as 'I will go to the park
tomorrow.'
Animal communication is typically limited to the present context, as seen in a cat's
meow or a dog's growl.
, Honeybee communication shows limited displacement through dance to indicate the
location of food, but only for recent finds.
Arbitrariness
The relationship between linguistic forms and their meanings is generally arbitrary.
Example: The word 'dog' has no inherent connection to the animal it represents; it is a
learned association.
Onomatopoeic words (e.g., 'buzz', 'bang') have a less arbitrary connection but are rare in
language.
Animal signals often have a clear connection to their meanings, as they are instinctively
produced.
Cultural Transmission and Language Acquisition
Cultural Transmission
Language is acquired through cultural exposure, not inherited genetically.
Example: A child raised by English speakers will learn English, regardless of their
biological parents' language.
Unlike humans, animals are born with instinctive communication signals that do not
require cultural learning.
Birds may need exposure to learn their songs, indicating a blend of instinct and learning.
Productivity
Humans have the ability to create new expressions and manipulate language to describe
novel situations.
This property allows for endless creativity in language use, unlike the finite set of signals
in animal communication.
Example: New words can be coined to describe technological advancements or cultural
phenomena.
Introduction to Language Properties
The Nature of Language
Human language is unique in its ability to create new expressions and meanings, unlike
animal communication systems.
Features and Comparative Review
Communication: Intentional vs. Unintentional Signals
Distinction of Signals
Communication can be intentional (e.g., stating a fact) or unintentional (e.g., body
language).
Examples of unintentional signals include sneezing (indicating a cold) or shifting in a seat
(indicating discomfort).
Intentional communication is exemplified by clear statements, such as applying for a job.
Glossolalia, or 'speaking in tongues', illustrates non-intentional sound production in
humans, similar to some animal vocalizations.
Birds may produce sounds that are not communicative, but they do have intentional
signals, such as alarm calls when a predator is near.
Intentional Communication in Humans vs. Animals
Humans can reflect on their language use, a feature not observed in animals.
Reflexivity allows humans to discuss language itself, enhancing communication.
Animals communicate primarily about immediate situations, lacking the ability to
discuss abstract concepts or past events.
Example: A dog barking does not convey advice on barking techniques, unlike humans
who can critique language use.
Properties of Human Language
Displacement
Displacement allows humans to communicate about events not present in the
immediate environment.
Example: Humans can discuss past or future events, such as 'I will go to the park
tomorrow.'
Animal communication is typically limited to the present context, as seen in a cat's
meow or a dog's growl.
, Honeybee communication shows limited displacement through dance to indicate the
location of food, but only for recent finds.
Arbitrariness
The relationship between linguistic forms and their meanings is generally arbitrary.
Example: The word 'dog' has no inherent connection to the animal it represents; it is a
learned association.
Onomatopoeic words (e.g., 'buzz', 'bang') have a less arbitrary connection but are rare in
language.
Animal signals often have a clear connection to their meanings, as they are instinctively
produced.
Cultural Transmission and Language Acquisition
Cultural Transmission
Language is acquired through cultural exposure, not inherited genetically.
Example: A child raised by English speakers will learn English, regardless of their
biological parents' language.
Unlike humans, animals are born with instinctive communication signals that do not
require cultural learning.
Birds may need exposure to learn their songs, indicating a blend of instinct and learning.
Productivity
Humans have the ability to create new expressions and manipulate language to describe
novel situations.
This property allows for endless creativity in language use, unlike the finite set of signals
in animal communication.
Example: New words can be coined to describe technological advancements or cultural
phenomena.
Introduction to Language Properties
The Nature of Language
Human language is unique in its ability to create new expressions and meanings, unlike
animal communication systems.
