Newham College University Centre
Often the answer to this question involves something to do with words – and this is fair enough, as words are certainly an essential aspect of language. Alone, though, words are meaningless.
Language is both words, and the systems and mechanisms which string them together – grammar. It is this mechanism which distinguishes human language from other ‘languages’ among different species.Bertrand Russell wrote that “[a] dog cannot relate his autobiography; however eloquently he may bark, he cannot tell you that his parents were honest though poor”.
One of the first questions which this module will be asking is, what exactly is the difference between the language which humans use, and the ways that animals communicate with each other?
Is there even any difference at all?
What is Language?