Is it only humans that have language?
Humans are
the only creatures that use language, but all animals can communicate. They
don’t talk like we do, but they do all have their own ways of communicating
with us, others of their species and animals of different species. Most animals
use sounds, but they also use sign, touch and scent.
For example; whales sing to their mates, ants leave a trail of smell for others to follow, baboons use touch to show affection and to groom, and dogs wag their tails to show that they are happy or friendly. Some might use all four. Cat’s meow when they are hungry, rub against peoples legs to show affection (or to tell you they want something), twitch their tails when they’re unhappy, and rub against objects to leave their scent and mark their territory. These four ways of communicating are divided into four headings; visual (sign), auditory (sound), tactical (touch) and chemical (scent).
Like us, some animals of the same species, but in different regions, have different dialects. An example of this is the Blue Whale, which, depending on where they are from, might use a different pattern of tones, pitches and pulses. The same goes for some different types of birds, who can even become bilingual; they can learn to use different dialects in order to communicate with their neighbours. Some animals also use sounds in order to warn each other about predators.
While we can also use sounds and signs to communicate, we mainly use language. Language is impossible for other animals, due to the way their larynx works. Scientists are still looking into this, but humans are the only creatures that use proper language.
For example; whales sing to their mates, ants leave a trail of smell for others to follow, baboons use touch to show affection and to groom, and dogs wag their tails to show that they are happy or friendly. Some might use all four. Cat’s meow when they are hungry, rub against peoples legs to show affection (or to tell you they want something), twitch their tails when they’re unhappy, and rub against objects to leave their scent and mark their territory. These four ways of communicating are divided into four headings; visual (sign), auditory (sound), tactical (touch) and chemical (scent).
Like us, some animals of the same species, but in different regions, have different dialects. An example of this is the Blue Whale, which, depending on where they are from, might use a different pattern of tones, pitches and pulses. The same goes for some different types of birds, who can even become bilingual; they can learn to use different dialects in order to communicate with their neighbours. Some animals also use sounds in order to warn each other about predators.
While we can also use sounds and signs to communicate, we mainly use language. Language is impossible for other animals, due to the way their larynx works. Scientists are still looking into this, but humans are the only creatures that use proper language.
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