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From: ethan@utastro.UUCP (Ethan Vishniac)
Newsgroups: net.origins
Subject: Re: Orphaned Response
Message-ID: <143@utastro.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 26-May-85 14:21:42 EDT
Article-I.D.: utastro.143
Posted: Sun May 26 14:21:42 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 30-May-85 07:21:29 EDT
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Organization: U. Texas, Astronomy, Austin, TX
Lines: 35

> [...............]
> >	You are confusing *capacity* and ability. Humans have a
> >natural *capacity* to *learn* language, something which no other
> >animal has ever been demonstrated to have. Humans only actual learn
> 
> Actually, this is not true.  Some chimpanzees have learned a form of
> sign language, and have taught it to their offspring.  I guess what
> you mean is, no other animal has ever demonstrated the ability to
> speak verbally.
> 
The distinction between language (as applied to humans) and language (in
reference to animals) is that humans can form abstractions from the
juxtaposition of symbols using syntactical structures.  There are those
who believe that some of the basic syntactical rules are hard wired into
the human brain.  Many animals have shown the ability to make the connection
between a sybol and an object.  It is still not clear whether chimpanzees can
use syntax.
> >Any idea what mutation or natural selection mechanism caused mammals which
> >have no *capacity* for learning languages to somehow gain that ability?
> 
> I heard on a T.V. program recently that some scientists think that the
> 'hunter gatherer' form of society may derive considerable benifit from
> vocal sound communication.  I believe some examples were given, but
> unfortunately I can't remember what they were right now.  Maybe someone
> else on the net saw the program, (a PBS program on communication or 
> speech or something like that) or is familiar with other theories.
> 
Any tribal society, like chimpanzees or humans, rely on cooperation.  Increased
symbol manipulation is an obvious benefit to such.  It may be more interesting
to wonder why chimpanzees *didn't*  develope language.

"Don't argue with a fool.      Ethan Vishniac
 Borrow his money."            {charm,ut-sally,ut-ngp,noao}!utastro!ethan
                               Department of Astronomy
                               University of Texas