Is human language the distinguishing feature of our species?
Human language is an integral part of being human and the major distinguishing feature of our species. Language uses a conventional system to express ideas that are only meaningful to those who understand the same system. An alphabet is an example of a system of arbitrary symbols. Language can be explained as having three different characteristics or principles. Firstly, language is a communication method. Secondly, it is a tool used to communicate symbolic meaning. Lastly, language is a rule-governed system of sounds and words. (CS212OC M1,L1, F, 2011) Human beings are the only known species that communicate in this form of language. Linguists, including Naom Chomsky, suggest that humans are born with a natural
knowledge of language, which he refers to as the “language faculty.” According to Chomsky, (1996) This “language faculty” is seen as a biological system in the brain that “has an initial state which is genetically determined, like. . . the kidney, the circulatory system, and so on" (p.13). Chomsky started this revolutionary idea that language is biological, and the existence of a “universal grammar”. Other species are capable of using language or language like symbols, but it is humans who have the far superior language abilities. Civilization and human life have been able to thrive and evolve, thanks to our ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
knowledge of language, which he refers to as the “language faculty.” According to Chomsky, (1996) This “language faculty” is seen as a biological system in the brain that “has an initial state which is genetically determined, like. . . the kidney, the circulatory system, and so on" (p.13). Chomsky started this revolutionary idea that language is biological, and the existence of a “universal grammar”. Other species are capable of using language or language like symbols, but it is humans who have the far superior language abilities. Civilization and human life have been able to thrive and evolve, thanks to our ability to communicate using various forms of language. Human beings are able to learn to communicate effectively, even without a formal education. We are able to learn languages effortlessly in our early years because we have a general knowledge of language stored in us, biologically. Language is simply a trait of being a human, something we are naturally equipped to use. As stated by Pinker, (2007), “language is part of our biology, an innate and distinctive human characteristic.” Human language exists in diverse forms such as the visually based American Sign Language to the spoken Zulu, a major Bantu language. Languages use any combination of different figures, numbers, characters, and gestures that are accepted by varying cultures and sub-cultures. It is the creativity of the human “language faculty” that makes it so remarkable. Naturally, we are equipped with the power to manipulate words and apply grammar to produce new sentences with ease. It is our ability to use language to communicate that is distinguishing to humans and allows us to maximize the potential of our minds and unique abilities. Language enables the use of many unique human abilities and tools including mathematics and arts, both of which are powerful tools that form the basis of our educational systems. Mathematics is a complex system that includes it’s own language. Mathematics could not exist without the ability to express ideas and theorems using language, symbols, numbers, expressions, and words. It is suggested that the distinctive features of humans are things like having the ability to reason, or possessing autonomy or morality, or a sense of self-consciousness or being able to create art (McNulty, 2010). However, what does any of this mean without language, and the ability to communicate? Works Cited Chomsky, Noam. Powers and Prospects: Reflections on Human Nature and the Socail Order. Boston: South End Press, 1996. Chomsky, Noam, “On the Nature of Language” reprinted in CS212OC Course Package, Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University, 2004. Pp. 1-6. McNulty, Mike. CS212OC Course Package. Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University, [Fall, 2011] McNulty, M. “What is the essential feature of human beings?” Message posted to CS212OC Discussion Board, MLS, WLU. September 22, 2011. Pinker, Steven. “Authors@Google: Steven Pinker”. Youtube online video clip. Sept. 24, 2007. Accessed Oct 10, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBpetDxIEMU With and Without Words: Human Language Series – Part 3: Human Language Evolves, CD-ROM. Directed by Gene Searchinger, New York: NY: Transit media, 1995.