2006-08-31 05:23:04 · 15 answers · asked by ? 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
I can't handle communicating with people why would you ever hope that every species on earth could pester me!!!
2006-09-01 05:42:54 · answer #1 · answered by Casca 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Animals can already communicate just fine with body language and vocalizations, some people have already broken the barrier and can communicate with thier pets using thier own "language". I know I can, I can tell my dog exactly what to do just with my body language, because I have learned what means what in dog body language...... There really is no barrier, it only exists in the minds of people who arent observant enough to decipher the meaning of thier animals language, and use that knowledge to communicate. I actually kind of screwed myself over by being too dog-like in my communication behaviour towards my dog and he has a hard time interpreting other humans body language and he gets confused because he is so used to me using dog body language to convey things to him. This leads to him seeing regular human body language and interpreting it in the way of dogs, like if someone stares at him he takes it as a serious threat, whereas dogs who have learned more human body language do not care at all because they interpret it differently like another human would. Animals have also already breached the barrier and can understand human language exceptionally well, even in sentences I can tell my dog there is a bug on the mat and he will look there and I can say there is a bug on the ceiling and he will look there.... he also knows so much more if people actually take the time to talk to thier dog as they would a human child like pointing out a bird or tree etc and saying the name, dogs can learn it all. Too often people fail to learn the animals language and fail to teach the animal our language... then they think that there is some kind of communication barrier when really there doesnt have to be.
2006-08-31 13:01:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They have managed to teach a limited amount of ASL 'deaf and dumb' sign language to some of the higher primates such as Chimps and gorillas. The most famous example being a chimp called Washoe. It is amazing what they can do once they learn it. They presented a radish to Washoe, she took one bite out of it and did the signs for " Cry - hurt- food " It has given scientists an opportunity to see how language may have developed in the past. Don't tell any of the creationists on here that I told you though or they will copy and paste half the bible onto my answer.
2006-08-31 12:42:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I definitely believe we've already come a long way. I've heard about communication with dolphins, and I'm sure many people (I do) can interpret what their pets want many times by the tone of a bark or a meow. And I know that my pets understand what I'm saying. I mean, it's not exactly a conversation, but at least it's getting the point across...
2006-08-31 12:29:22 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We already have with certain animals.
Chimps have learned a "picture-language" they point to pictures to tell the researcher something.
In 2003 the dolphin-language was partly understood and now we are capable of actually talking to dolphins.
But you are right there is still a lot to learn
2006-08-31 12:25:43 · answer #5 · answered by gjmb1960 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and we have for some of the animals (dolphins & chimps).
It seems that the hardest barrier is understanding that animals communication are simple. I think many of us look at our pets and think they're having complex thoughts, when really, they're focused on "Feed, me", "Pet me", "Must attack squirl".
2006-09-01 10:30:52 · answer #6 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog understands: Wanna go outside? want some breakfast? want a treat? NO! BAD DOG!!! Snowy! (thats her name) Go get the rabbit! Wanna play? Shake. Sit. Lay down. Go away. and " Need your pills" (shes Epileptic)
I can understand her if she makes a low grunt it means give me attention. a loud bark is im excited. A long growl is let me outside. a howl is Someones at the door! and a quick grunt and she roles over means rub my belly.
2006-08-31 18:49:05 · answer #7 · answered by jake mills 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I thinjk we are just the same. I mean Chimpanzees learning sign language, bonobos just out of the blue understanding english, Dolphins give each other names.... Pretty amazing
2006-08-31 18:17:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat's life can't be all that interesting; I'd act like I was interested in what he had to say, but how many times can you hear "and then I woke up" before you just give up and start ignoring him.
2006-08-31 20:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by pc_gator 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I look at this question like a dog. I have an intelligent eyes but I don't speak anything.
2006-09-01 05:50:34 · answer #10 · answered by eaismeg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋