The Effectiveness of Human Language vs. Animal Communication or Language

Ryan Carr
Composition 1101
Professor Hughes
Blog 5
Thesis Statement

The Effectiveness of Human Language vs. Animal Communication or Language

Animal communication is limited in its effectiveness because it cannot be used to relate to the past or the future. However, it can communicate the present by using vocal utterances and gestures as it relates to their surroundings. Therefore, they are limited in their effectiveness of communication. Human’s communication through language can convey their thoughts and intents about the past, present, and future clearly and concisely. Their articulation of language is more effective because of the use of utterances, signals, and gestures along with an infinite vocabulary.

“Hey! Hey! Get outa there!” (George Yule, pg 8) An example of harbor seals copying human language using utterances. Do they understand what they are vocalizing or is it a conditioned behavior? This will be discussed as a supporting statement of credibility.

“Humans are continually creating new expressions and novel utterances…the potential number of utterances in any human language is infinite.” (George Yule, pg 10) There can be no question as to the effectiveness of the human language vs. animal language however, the limitation of animals ability to learn human language does not in itself lessen the effectiveness they have in communicating with each other. This will be discussed as a counterargument.

“Important lessons have been learned from attempts to teach chimpanzees how to use forms of language.” (George Yule, pg 16) Chimpanzees have proven their ability to relate to human language. Is this because they were conditioned by animal trainers to produce certain responses? Although the evidence supports the chimpanzees’ use of sign language among each other when no humans were present there is still much controversy over the effectiveness of their communication on a human level. This will be used as an evidentiary topic.