HONEY BRYLLE B.

TANDAYAG
MaEd 1 – A

Topic 3 Activity (Animal vs Human Language)

Choose any two of the animal languages discussed. Compare and contrast the
concepts of each language with the human language. You may provide situational
examples for each.

1. THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS. Dogs are considered as a man’s best friend. They do not just
listen but they actually understand what is being said which could mean that dogs are not
only smarter than we think they are but their relationship with humans would be far more
complex. They respond much more with just the tone of our voice. Like for example, when
we talk to the dog in a high – pitched manner or when we scold them, they tend to whine
and will look at you with a teary – eye as if they understand. Same with the human babies,
although they don’t speak yet, but the way they respond to the tone of the voice is very
much alike to how the dog responds to it. Also, when giving a 1 – word instruction just like
“Sit”, “Stay”, “Catch”, etc., both dogs and babies can easily grasp the action. For instance, I
always see dogs giving appropriate responses to what you say. So, my interpretation is that
if the response is appropriate, it means they understood what you said. Right?
Furthermore, talking to dogs and babies shared numerous features. Both involve
communicating in a limited and inattentive behavior, uncontrolled attention and limited
behavior in focusing on an object or activity, and expressing friendliness and affection to
others. However, dogs’ ability to utter a language and the ability to perform other tasks or
activities are far more impossible to happen compared to the babies. As the babies grow,
they started first from babbling until they can already speak a word. Briefly, humans have a
highly developed brain that allows us to do many of these things especially in verbalizing
how we feel. Hence, maybe we need also to pay more attention to what animals are doing,
and try to view the world through their eyes and consider their feelings as we humans are
considerate and understanding beings.

2. THE LANGUAGE OF DOLPHINS. Being a fan of watching dolphin shows on television, I

can say that dolphins are great entertainers and I also noticed that dolphins and humans
share many characteristics in communication. Humans especially infants are great
entertainers, too and a social butterfly. It is just amazing how many parallels can be drawn
between the two species. Dolphins use body language to communicate and express similar
interactions that occur on infants. Dolphins’ squeal can be compared to infants’ reaction
when they are happy, sad or excited. Both respond to sounds like whistling, clicking and
etc. They both love to do activities when they are being conditioned to receive a reward
after doing so. I am sure with repetition they start to associate words and sounds with
action and start understanding the concept of the word. On the other hand, dolphins
communicate in a ‘limited fashion’ since they don’t have the ability to verbalize their
thoughts and feelings. They are the non – verbal communicators of language and use
gestures most of the time.