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examBoard: AQA
examType: GCSE
lessonTitle: Discussing Abstract Concepts
One of the most remarkable features of human communication is our ability to discuss things that aren't physically present or may not even exist in the real world. This session explores how humans can communicate abstract concepts and why this ability sets us apart from other species.
Key Definitions:
Humans can discuss abstract ideas like love, freedom, justice and democracy. We can talk about hypothetical situations ("What if...?"), imagine the future and reflect on the past. We can also discuss emotions, beliefs and concepts that have no physical form.
Animal communication is typically limited to the here and now. Most animals communicate about immediate needs, dangers, or opportunities in their environment. They generally can't discuss abstract concepts, hypothetical situations, or complex emotions.
Displacement is a key feature that separates human language from animal communication systems. It allows us to talk about things that aren't physically present.
Humans regularly communicate about:
Koko was a gorilla who learned to use over 1,000 signs in American Sign Language and reportedly understood about 2,000 words of spoken English. While impressive, researchers debate whether Koko truly understood abstract concepts. She could sign about basic emotions and simple wants, but struggled with complex abstract ideas like "freedom" or "justice". Critics argue that Koko was responding to trainer cues rather than demonstrating true language comprehension.
Humans have a more developed prefrontal cortex, which is associated with higher-level thinking, planning and abstract reasoning. Broca's and Wernicke's areas in the brain are specialized for language processing.
Human language has grammar and syntax that allow us to create infinite combinations of words. We can use tenses to discuss past and future and conditional phrases for hypothetical situations.
Humans learn language through social interaction. Our cultural transmission of knowledge allows us to build upon previous generations' understanding of abstract concepts.
Scientists have conducted various studies to understand the differences between human and animal communication of abstract concepts.
Noam Chomsky proposed that humans have an innate language acquisition device that allows us to learn and use complex language. He argued that this biological adaptation is unique to humans and explains our ability to discuss abstract concepts. Chomsky suggested that recursion (embedding phrases within phrases) is a key feature that enables the complexity of human language.
Sue Savage-Rumbaugh worked with bonobos like Kanzi, who learned to communicate using lexigrams (symbolic visual representations). While Kanzi showed impressive abilities to understand some abstract commands, his communication remained limited compared to human language. He could follow instructions but struggled to express abstract thoughts independently.
| Feature | Human Communication | Animal Communication |
|---|---|---|
| Discussing the past | Can discuss distant past events in detail | Limited or no ability to communicate about past events |
| Planning the future | Can make detailed plans years in advance | Some species show basic planning but limited communication about it |
| Hypothetical scenarios | Can discuss "what if" situations | No evidence of communicating hypotheticals |
| Abstract concepts | Can discuss love, justice, freedom, etc. | No clear evidence of communicating abstract concepts |
| Creativity | Can create new words and metaphors | Communication is mostly fixed and instinctual |
Dr. Irene Pepperberg worked with Alex, an African Grey Parrot, for over 30 years. Alex learned to identify colours, shapes and numbers. He could answer questions about objects, including their properties. While Alex showed remarkable abilities, including understanding the concept of "zero" (a somewhat abstract concept), his communication was still limited to concrete objects and simple properties. He couldn't discuss abstract ideas like "freedom" or "beauty" or engage in hypothetical reasoning.
Humans use symbols to represent abstract concepts, which is crucial for our ability to discuss things that don't have a physical form.
Humans use words as symbols that represent concepts. The word "freedom" doesn't look or sound like the concept it represents, but we understand what it means. We also use metaphors to explain abstract concepts through concrete examples: "Time is money" helps us understand the abstract concept of time as a valuable resource.
Some animals can learn to associate symbols with objects or actions. For example, chimpanzees can learn to use lexigrams (symbols) to request food or activities. However, they struggle with symbols that represent abstract concepts. Their symbol use is typically limited to concrete needs and immediate situations.
The ability to communicate abstract concepts has profound implications for human society and development:
When discussing studies on animal communication in your exam, remember to evaluate the research critically. Consider whether animals are truly understanding abstract concepts or simply responding to cues. Also consider the ethical implications of teaching animals human communication systems and whether this anthropomorphises their natural abilities. Strong answers will compare multiple studies and consider alternative explanations for the findings.
The ability to communicate about abstract concepts is perhaps the most significant difference between human language and animal communication systems. It allows humans to build complex societies, develop technologies, create art and establish moral and ethical frameworks. While some animals show impressive communication abilities, the evidence suggests that abstract concept communication remains uniquely human, highlighting the special nature of human language.
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