Do you think another species will ever learn our language?

Question

Like the otters in southpark or the dolphins in the simpsons....hmmmm

Answer 1

while there are a few species that can learn some words of our language, no other species can currently learn human grammar, as we've adapted part of our brain specifically for understanding the grammar of human language. Even Koko the gorilla doesn't have a grasp of the grammar which makes language what it is.

Read some of Chomsky's work to understand the idea of humans having a specific language module. The chance of anyone other species emulating human language is the same that we can just go and learn to use echolocation.

If another species does learn a human language, it will only be because it's genetically engineered to point of having human like brains, in which case almost any warm blood animal could probably be engineered in such a manner.

Answer 2

As has already been pointed out, there are plenty of species that can understand our language. Dogs can be trained to obey commands, gorillas and chimps can communicate in sign language, etc. That they cannot respond vocally is often taken as a sign that they do not comprehend us, but this isn't the case.

I had a friend who trained his dog in German. He used only German when he spoke to the animal, and it understood only German. If given a command in English, the dog would not react, as it had no idea what was being said, but if the same command were given in German, the dog would react immediately. It had nothing to do with the tone of the voice or the fact that the dog's master was giving the command. As long as the command was issued firmly and in German, the dog would obey.

Cats, dogs, and other animals can be trained to recognize specific words, including a name given the animal. My cats recognize their names when called (whether or not they choose to respond is another matter altogether). Dolphins, gorillas, and some wolf packs have evidenced a proto-language that can be used to communicate simple concepts, including a sense of self.

As CrazyJ pointed out, however, none of these animals have a grasp of grammar, nor does it seem likely that such will ever occur in nature. Most animals simply do not have the brain power necessary to master such intricacies. A gorilla can learn simple words and even the basics of sentence structure, but will likely never be able to diagram even a simple sentence.

Answer 3

Well technically other species have already learned some of our language. Although they cannot fully master our language, they have some comprehension of what we are saying ei: Gorrilas using sign language and Dogs that are trained and obey commands.

Answer 4

our children more likely