What are the characteristics of human language?

1. The units of human language are characterized by clarity, while animal languages ??are lumpy and cannot be analyzed; 2. The combination of sound and meaning in human language is arbitrary; 3. Human language has a two-layered structure and can be divided into limited units.

To form infinite sentences, animal language does not have this duality; 4. Human language is open. It is an open system. Although the number of phonemes is limited, it can form infinite sentences through combination and replacement. It is open

It is also reflected in the fact that language develops with the development of society. New words are constantly produced, words from foreign nations are absorbed, some social phenomena disappear, and corresponding words in the language are also hidden or disappear. Animal languages ??do not have such changes; 5

. Human language is teachable. It can be taught. What kind of language can be learned later. Animal language is innate and does not need to be learned. 6. Human language is not limited by time and place. It can express

Things in the past can also describe things in the future.

The above six aspects mark the essential difference between human language and other animal "languages"; only with these characteristics can it be called human language.

Therefore, language is a unique communication tool for humans.

Although bees can use extremely complex dances to tell their companions the location and distance of nectar; all animals can use their own special postures or sounds to report the coming of danger or feelings of satisfaction and pain to their companions; some primates, such as

Chimpanzees can also learn some human sign languages ??and special symbolic languages.

However, no animal, not even the orangutan whose brain structure is extremely comparable to humans, can use language as creatively as humans.

Although, orangutans that have undergone rigorous training can use the "language" they have learned in specific situations.

For example, when you see your master doing a salute gesture.

However, these conditioned reactive uses of language are still far from creative uses of language.

The originality of human language is the fundamental sign that it is different from animal language.

Orangutans cannot speak human language, and birds cannot sing human songs. These differences are caused by the physiological characteristics of the species. Because orangutans and birds do not have human vocal organs, it is natural that they cannot pronounce like humans.

However, the key problem is that animals can only express things and situations that are related to their instincts or that appear in front of them.

And cannot express abstract, complex, non-immediate situations like humans: they can use different expression methods under different conditions; the same content can be expressed in different ways; they can express their opinions frankly and honestly,

It can also be tactful, even pretentious, etc.

Gorillas do not possess any of these language abilities in humans.

Therefore, their language is not creative.