Abstract
Individuals of some animal species have been taught simple versions of human language despite their natural communication systems failing to rise to the level of a simple language. How is it, then, that some animals can master a version of language, yet none of them deploy this capacity in their own communication system? I first examine the key design features that are often used to evaluate language-like properties of natural animal communication systems. I then consider one candidate animal system, bird song, because it has several of the key design features or their precursors, including social learning and cultural transmission of their vocal signals. I conclude that although bird song communication is nuanced and complex, and has the acoustic potential for productivity, it is not productive – it cannot be used to say many different things. Finally, I discuss the debate over whether animal communication should be viewed as a cooperative information transmission process, as we typically view human language, or as a competitive process where signaler and receiver vie for control. The debate points to a necessary condition for the evolution of a simple language that has generally been overlooked: the degree of to which the interests of the signaler and receiver align. While strong cognitive and signal production mechanisms are necessary pre-adaptations for a simple language, they are not sufficient. Also necessary is the existence of identical or near-identical interests of signaler and receiver and a socio-ecology that requires high-level cooperation across a range of contexts. In the case of our hominid ancestors, these contexts included hunting, gathering, child care and, perhaps, warfare. I argue that the key condition for the evolution of human language was the extreme interdependency that existed among unrelated individuals in the hunter-gatherer societies of our hominid ancestors. This extreme interdependency produced multiple prosocial adaptations for effective intragroup cooperation, which in partnership with advanced cognitive abilities, set the stage for the evolution of language.
Highlights
Research programs on animal communication systems in nature have proceeded essentially independently of research programs endeavoring to teach language to animals
Animal Communication and Simple Language language, even a simplified version? Second, do the natural communication systems of any animals rise to the level of simple language? Research since has indicated that these two questions may have different answers: I would suggest a provisional yes to the first, and a provisional no to the second
I will designate an animal communication system as a ‘simple language’ system using a variation on the definition of Hewes (1973): “language [is] any system of animal communication which exhibits most of the design features set forth by Hockett” (Hewes, 1973, p. 5)
Summary
Research programs on animal communication systems in nature have proceeded essentially independently of research programs endeavoring to teach language to animals This is surprising in light of the early, well-known efforts to relate these two research streams, especially by Hockett (1960) and Marler (1961). Research since has indicated that these two questions may have different answers: I would suggest a provisional yes to the first, and a provisional no to the second. If this view is correct, it raises a further question: why, if some animals can master a version of language, don’t they use this capacity in their natural communication system? I argue that this extreme interdependency was a necessary condition for the evolution of human language
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