Perspective Taking: Do Animals Have Language?

Few controversies have so divided the scientific community as has the controversy about the apes’ capacity for language. Although many scientists have made serious attempts at rearing apes in language-rich environments, the results have not overwhelmingly demonstrated that apes can use language as human beings us it. At the heart of the argument are the criteria we use to determine true capacity for language. Generally, scientists specializing in the study of language impose the following criteria for the debate: . Is the language symbolic: Can it be used to represent absent objects? . Does the language have systematic syntax, or word order? . Can the language be used in a creative or productive manner? There are two opposing viewpoints on whether apes can truly learn human language. Some psychologists who believe apes are quite capable of acquiring language have gone to creative lengths to gather support for their position. Other psychologists dispute the idea that apes are capable of learning language. Before completing this exercise, review the evidence your psychology textbook presents for the topic of animal language on pp. 423-428. Find two examples that support the viewpoint of those who believe apes can learn language. Then, find two examples that could be used by those who disagree with that position. Finally, identify the side that you believe presents the stronger evidence.

Two sources of evidence supporting the viewpoint that animals have the capacity for language: 1.

Two sources of evidence challenging the viewpoint that animals have the capacity for language. 1.

Identify the side you find more convincing and explain how you have applied the appropriate language criteria to make your choice.

After completing this exercise, you should be able to: . Identify why the scientific community is torn about the apes’ potential to use language. . Report the criteria scientists use to make judgments about language capacity. . Support both perspectives with evidence from language research . Evaluate the two perspectives and judge which is more strongly supported