Nourah Binmana
Dr. Donovan Plumb
Lifelong Learning Process
GSLL 6206 01
21/1/2012







 



Human beings have a big capacity for learning that distinguishes them from the non-human creatures. Humans are a more advanced, vicegerent species who are able to gain full respect from others. Also, Angels knelt to humans at the beginning of their creation. Humans have different feelings, goals, ideas, and emotions which make them superior to non-human creatures. For example, they enjoy hearing appreciation, accomplishing numerous achievements, looking for success, and have the will to pass on their history to the next generations. On the other hand, all of the other creatures live their lives without a plan and they do not care for their lives. Human beings and chimpanzees may have a physical similarity but there are many differences between them. Some of these differences are: higher level thinking, a greater capacity for learning, the ability to control themselves and the direction of their lives, self-awareness, innovation, a vivid imagination, the need for success, the use of intelligence and language, and genetics.

The focus of the analysis here will be the use of language by humans and non-humans. Language is a source of power and it is one of the distinctive features that assists human to be more developed than any other creatures. There are numerous languages and dialects in the world. Language also enables us to have a dialogue with others and to share our points of view. It allows humans to understand and to communicate with each other. Farquhar & Fitzsimons (2011) state that language “is not just a series of message transfers between sender and receiver” (p. 661), but it helps in building relationship with others, understanding their ideas, expressing our feelings; happiness and sadness. Harrub, Thompson & Miller (2003) confirm that language:
“is one of the most distinctive behavioral adaptations on the planet. Languages evolved in only one species, in only one way, without precedent, except in the most general sense. And the differences between languages and all other natural modes of communicating are vast”. (p. 1).
Other creatures are silent and cannot speak a well developed language. They communicate with others by using gestures or a particular tone of voice. For example, the cat meows, the lion roars, the dog barks, etc. These voices for humans do not carry a meaning. Although, these sounds may have interpreted by some people because they are used to hearing the voices of their pets and they have trained them in a particular way. In addition, at any given place and at any given time people need a language because they have a strong desire to discuss various problems or dilemmas in their lives. In addition, other scientists Harrub, et al (2003) point out that “all evolutionists admit that communication via speech is uniquely human-so much so that it often is used as the singular, and most important, dividing line between humans and animals” (p. 1). Furthermore, Farquhar & Fitzsimons (p. 654) demonstrate the importance of using a language for humans to understand each other “Without a common language, there is no way of knowing whether two parties really understand each other or whether they are in fact talking about the same things, even when they use the same words”. Hauser explains that what the animals “have learned is in the 300-to-400 range, which doesn't even compare to the 60,000-word vocabulary of a typical high school graduate”. In addition, he demonstrates that apes know the signs pertaining to “food and actions” and that these signs help them to survive. However, apes cannot make grammatically correct sentences.

Secondly, the brain and the resulting intelligence are the unique features that distinguish humans from other creatures. The brain leads humans to do what is right and to avoid what is wrong in their lives. Having a well functioning brain is considered a great blessing because it enables people to learn different skills throughout their lives. The function of the brain is different for humans and animals since humans use their imaginations and have the ability to speculate. At the Max Planck Institute, research was done with Esther Herrman on a two and a half year old girl named Greta and a monkey named Frodo from the garden of Leipzig for animals. In this experiment, a piece of banana put in a glass and the researcher asked the test subjects to take the banana out of the tube. The researcher performed this task in front of the test subjects and asked them to do the same task later. The result of this research showed that the Greta, the little girl, was able to take the banana out of the tube. Greta understood the researcher’s movement and imitated her successfully. On the other hand, the monkey Frodo did not understand the required task. Frodo took the tube and started waving it in different directions.

Figure:1

Figure: 2
In this study, a scientist confirmed that human intelligence is distinct from animal intelligence in the area of social communication. In addition, it is mentioned that the size of the human brain is three times bigger than that of the monkey.

Figure: 3
Figure: 4

In conclusion, human beings and non-human have some similarities and also many differences. These differences make humans more advanced than other creatures. In my opinion, the ability to use one’s intelligence as applied to language is the most important feature that distinguishes humans from non-humans. There are many scientists and researchers that confirm that the differences between humans and animals really set human beings apart from the non-humans.

..................................................................................................
Reference list:
Dartman, K. & Abu Meilq, Y. (2010). The intelligence for the monkey and the
intelligence of the human. Science and technology.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,5691260,00.html

Farquhar, S. & Fitzsimons, P. (2011). Lost in translation: The power
of language. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43,. 6.
doi: 10.1111/j. 1469-5812.2009.00608. x

Harrub, B. Thompson, B. & Miller, D. (2003). The origin of language
and communication. 17,3 (P.93)

Hauser , (2004). Chimpanzees become human? . Health day news.
Retrived 20/1/2012from
http://www.whyevolution.com/chimps.html#brain