Language Instinct How Are the Essay

Pinker maintains that evolution follows a branching, rather than linear pattern. Many species develop concurrently, each with their own survival instincts. Humans, and their survival instinct of language, are just one branch of the evolutionary process rather than a pinnacle rung.

Holding the belief that we can, or might someday communicate with animals creates empathy, which leads to humane treatment of animals. A belief that animals cannot communicate with us due to inferiority leads to a sense of dominion over them.

This is also a pattern of belief and behavior that is seen with regard to humans who are perceived to have inferior languages or grammars. They are somehow less human, and therefore less deserving of humane treatment.

Pinker states that it is ridiculous to attempt to teach human language to animals. They are not biologically configured for human speech or sign. They have no need for human language as a survival mechanism. He then questions, even if it were possible to teach human communication to animals, what might they tell us?

On the other hand, the study of existing communication systems of animals does have its value.Since Pinker argues that human language developed as an evolutionary adaptation, so it is true for animal communications.

Pinker shows evidence of differing brain development between species which correlates to the variations in language development. Our understanding of the human brain and its functioning is enhanced by this line of inquiry.

Animals lack the biological capacity for communication that is present in humans. Sometimes this biological capacity is missing in a human, as well. The study of animal communication can lead to necessary adaptations for humans.

The study of, rather than the restructuring of, animal language leads to greater understanding of biological and social evolution.

Human language can be seen as one more adaptation rather than evidence of superiority.

Bibliography

Pinker, Steven. The Language Instinct: How the Mind Creates Language. New York: William….....