Linguistics: The Cambridge Survey

Introduction

The linguist has reason to be interested in the communication system of other animals. Perhaps the most important reason is that since human language is the product of evolution, it is highly likely that some of the properties of human language have structural similarities (or even precursors) in the communication systems of other animals. By studying animal communication systems, we will therefore learn more about ourselves. Moreover, in studying these systems we may become aware of features that have not been fully appreciated in our own system of communication. Since we are ‘inside’ our own language, it is difficult to maintain a proper perspective on what may be the most salient properties of this system. The study of animal communication, then, in which we can be trained as outside observers, allows us to gain this perspective on our own system.

Once we have decided to look at animal communication, we must then decide on how to go about making comparisons among the various animal systems in order to facilitate their comparison with human language and communication. The problem is compounded by the fact that both human and animal communication systems are still the focus of ongoing research, and many features of the communication systems are still controversial. Nevertheless, the inquiry into human communication and animal communication has proceeded far enough so that fruitful comparisons are possible. I will begin with a brief, critical overview of some earlier systems which have been used for comparing human and nonhuman communication (section 12.1). In the next section (12.2) I provide a very brief summary of some of the central features of human language and communication.