Language is regarded as a very complex form of communication which is done between people of different societies. It can be regarded as a set of codes used for communication. It means that communication cannot be done without using language. It consists of verbal and nonverbal signs among humans. They use these signs to express their feelings, ideas, emotions etc. they sometimes use words to express their thoughts but sometimes, message is conveyed in non-verbal cues and gestures.
On the other hand, animals communicate between themselves as well for example, when we call the dog, it starts wagging its tail, or when we call the cat, it starts in his own tone. These animals understand each other’s messages easily. However, the question in this discussion in that “Do animals have language? In this way, scientists are still unsure about this question as well.
Many of the researchers argue that animals and other non-humans do not have the true language as the humans have. Humans use language to communicate with each other. Animals communicate among each other to convey their message as well. They transfer their message through different sounds and gestures. They have a number of in-born qualities which they utilize in conveying their message to other animals. Nevertheless, these gestures and sounds are not regarded as the right pieces of language.
In this same way, infants communicate in this way as well. They cry when they feel hunger. But gradually, with the passage of time they acquire the humans’ language as they listen the worlds. In this way a great philosopher has called it “Universal grammar”. Moreover, he argues that we are born with a set of rules which help us to communicate effectively. A Language Acquisition Device(LAD) has been adjusted in our brains through we acquire languages. If human children were separated at birth away from humans they would not learn the words of the language and would not be able to communicate with other humans. They would resort to sounds and gestures as their primary form of communication.
But here, a questions arises that do animals are born with universal grammar? The answer will be “No”. because, Allah Almighy has only gifted this great blessing only to humans which they use to acquire language.
So what about animals such as dogs that understand commands or birds that can “talk”? Dogs can be trained to follow certain commands such as ‘sit’, ‘come’ and ‘roll over’, but does this mean they understand language and therefore can use it as well? Dogs are known to be experts at reading their owners intentions and that they do not respond to actual words but the tone in which it is said. So if you say “bad dog” in a cheerful tone, the dog will wag its tail. If you say “good dog” in a harsh tone, the dog will put his tail in between his legs. Birds that are in captivity are known to be able to “talk”- it is believed that it does not mean anything to them and they are merely copying sounds they hear.
There is no doubt in this way that animals communicate with each other to one degree or another in response to different stimuli such as hunger or fear. Human language is creative, clear and consists of unique characteristics that give us the ability to engage in abstract and analytical ways. So, can it be opined that animals do not have a true language like us humans, since we use language for a variety of things other than just communicating simple needs? It is a matter of opinion and extensive research in the field and area.
