Explain the arguments for and against the theory that animals have the capacity for language, like humans.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Animals display the ability to communicate. For example, bees do a dance to indicate the location of food, dogs respond to human commands, and whales communicate with a series of clicks and wails. Some apes have even been able to communicate with their human trainers by learning sign language. However, researchers maintain that animals do not have the capacity for language because they do not have the ability to master the rules of syntax, like humans. Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Animals display the ability to communicate. For example, bees do a dance to indicate the location of food, dogs respond to human commands, and whales communicate with a series of clicks and wails. Some apes have even been able to communicate with their human trainers by learning sign language. However, researchers maintain that animals do not have the capacity for language because they do not have the ability to master the rules of syntax, like humans.