Some people claim that we humans are exceptional because we have language. What they really mean is that we are entitled to do what we wish with the natural world and everyone else who lives in it because we have our language.
Perhaps, you've read one of the many books about the communication of sentient nonhumans (or at least that features it), such as those by Jeffrey Masson or Mark Bekoff or Jonathan Balcombe.
Other species are communicating--through verbalization--just fine; we simply haven't figured out exactly what they're saying to each other. Anyone with a cat or dog knows how hard they try to get us to understand their language, and they do achieve some level of success. They clearly have awareness of wanting something or having a need and setting out to tell us what that is so we may be of service (for example).
However, there are people who still believe that what nonhumans do is really some kind of involuntary articulation or vocalization, and for them I suggest that they watch yesterdays posted talking cats Youtube.
Halloween Giveaway - A Haunted History of Invisible Women
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In the past, I've normally done a giveaway for my birthday or to celebrate
the anniversary of Scandalous Women, but this year I decided to do
somethin...
1 year ago
4 comments:
It's a no-brainer. They're extremely aware.
Living as we do, with 10 dogs, 12 cats, and 2 horses, my girl and I experience every day their extreme ability to understand. Not only do they find ways to communicate with us, the dogs relate to the cats, the cats to the horse, etc, etc.
Opening to that reality makes life a whole lot richer. Of course, vegetarianism becomes a must. Heh.
Some people just don't get it.
I have read that it is an evolutionary issue.
I know that this sounds snobbish.
We just don't need to eat animals any more.
If people knew the agony that animals suffer before they become our meal perhaps there would be an end.
Some people DO know-but they still believe that we have dominion over animals.
I do not know enough to preach.
So, I'll stop here.
My cat seldom vocalizes, but he can talk. When he wants outside, or to eat, he paws at something that moves - like the baby gate at the top of the stairs, or the door on the cabinet. He starts softly - and at night, his paws are very soft, so as not to awaken anyone else. When he rouses me, he'll head for the door, or the food dish, or wherever he wants to go. That's communication. It doesn't require language.
My dog speaks with his eyes.
Love recognizes such communication Arial Ray.
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