Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dogs understand human language?

Can dogs understand the human language? According to German scientists a border collie named Rico is able to fetch at least 200 objects by name. According to scientists Rico’s ability to recall names of objects is similar to fast-mapping, which allows children to form a quick hypothesis about the meaning of new word or the first time they see or hear something.

Rico is able to fetch the right object when his owners shout them out to him. According to the article, Rico’s vocabulary is comparable to the language of well-trained apes, dolphins, sea lions and parrots.

Scientist’s state, “Our results strongly support the view that a seemingly complex human linguistic skill previously described only in human children may be mediated by simpler cognitive building blocks, that are present in other species.” Overall, I found this article interesting because I found it fascinating how dogs are able to comprehend somewhat of what humans are always saying.

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