look to humans
well let's look at the brain.
we know that there are areas. these areas tend to be used for functions... I say tend to, because sometimes they are not used.
example. say brain has areas a + b.
a is for action x
B is for action y.
cut out a.
at times B is able to learn the new function to later be developed to perform X and Y.
why is that important...
that suggests that designated brain area may not be necessary to be able to perform a function.
we are constantly comparing tests from rats and other animals then using these to equate back to us.
why?
Because maybe if we find it happening in animals, it can happen in humans too.
now... turn it around... if it can happen in humans, can it happen in animals?
maybe... who knows.
some issues come up with are they speaking, or is it just reinforcement?
well, one could argue that just because it's learned through reinforcement, does not mean it's not language.
I am a teacher... sometimes the only way kids learn is through reinforcement.
does that mean they are not speaking english?
I love my wife... but I only know a little korean... largely due to the fact that I do not have enough reinforcement. I
KNOW there is a long term reinforcement available. But I still don't study. I need short term. And I am an adult, human, with a university education.
I can say hello. goodbye, thankyou, this, that, how much, like, hate, love, left, right , straight, give me, foreigner, teacher, park.
maybe a few others... but that's about it.
am I speaking korean when I use this? technically.. yes.
am I speaking a language? by some of the standards we judge animal communication on... no, I am not.
some people demand that abstract thought and others be included... here's a list from
wikipedia
those are argued... and some say outdated.
also... most kids below the age of 5, or maybe higher could not pass this test. (I'm guessing here)
Why is that important?
well maybe our tests are too strong.
maybe we are too afraid. what would happen if someone created a way to test all animals... teach them, and talk with them... do they get more rights? or the same?
some say language can be a measure of intelligence... but is it.
I can't speak korean. if english is my native tongue, and I go meet some strange koreans in a far off land... does that mean I am not smart? no... because I am. the test is wrong.
what about that girl that was locked in a basement and not talked to?
she came out and had no language what so ever. her intelligence was stunted by it.
what does that suggest?
it suggests that language helps build intelligence.
so - language helps build intelligence.
minimal language may not be a measure of existent intelligence.
minimal language use, to later gain more language can further increase intelligence.
immersion is an issue. so is reinforcements.
I live in korea. but I have other sources. I also don't have reinforcements.
If I had no Need for language I would not learn it.
how can we solve this and use it with animals?
use a language with animals constantly. not just in lessons, but with game time as well. not just when we are with them, but when others are with them... not just when people are with them... but also when they are alone.
I have tv. I have books. I have games. I have friends. I have parents. I have teachers.
create a form of language that can be recreated by an animal. if it barks. use barks... or use something that can be manipulated by the animal.
what about tv?... translate it. I can watch korean tv with subtitles... create tv with subtitles.
what sort of subtitles?... well what language are they learning to speak? sign? buttons? barks?
use the same...
sure reward is necessary... but so is immersion.
every little detail should be worked out before hand... if you want to have an octopus speak via buttons... 1st create a language that I can speak to you via buttons.
obviously a keyboard will not work. but buttons for phrases or concepts may or even words.
or even a switch. think of Stephen Hawkins. He has only one switch to use and a computer screen.