Communication Flashcards
Define communication
An exchange of information
Define language
An artificially constructed formal system of signs and symbols, including rules for the formation of expressions
Define species-spacific
When a feature is exclusive to a certain species
Define speech
A vocalisation of words
How has language evolved, quantitatively or qualitatively?
Quantitatively: Continuity
Qualitatively: Discontinuity
Are we the articulate mammal?
Yes, as we are the linguistically superior species
Who defined the language design features and when?
Hockett 1960s
Give an example of an animal experiment to do with language learning (not primates)
Dolphins
Dr Bastian 1960s
Dolphin was instructed which button to press and got a reward if it was correct
Why are humans able to talk?
- Bi-pedal and uprights
- Extended L shape vocal tract
- Developed facial muscles
- Flexible tongue
- Teeth positions
- Developed brain structure
Why can’t chimps and higher primates talk?
Immature vocal tract and cannot make vowel or nasal sounds
What are the drawbacks of primate language experiments?
- Rigorous training required and rewards
- Less complicated systems and only small vocabulary
- Successes recorded and failures ignored (bias of trainers)
Give 2 examples of primate experiments and some details
Washoe 1970s - signs - start of "ape breakthrough" Kanzi 1980s - using arbitrary symbols on keyboard - No usage of grammar or syntax incorrect
Issues with trying to make primates talk
- Narrow minded
- They may have a complex system that we are unaware of
- They may not see the world how we do and don’t need to communicate like us
What did Jane Goodall say about primate experiments?
- Torture on innocent animals
- Taking an infant chimp from its mother is not science, it is cruel
- We should realise that as humans we have a unique quality
