Language is a way of communicating that includes structure such as grammar and syntax and has rules that have to be followed. Language is not the same as communication, but they are related. Language is a means by which others communicate (Weiten 127).
Neither bees nor Kanzi have language because they are communicating but there are some things that are missing. First it is impossible to determine if the bees have a language. There may be structure and grammar and rules, but we cannot know that. Without being able to identify their language and use it to understand them and have them understand us, it remains communication but not language.
Kanzi is also communicating. She is using forms of communication that we recognize as part of our own language. However, it is still not considered to be having a language. The rules and structure of grammar that define a language create a system that allows the student of that language to generalize, develop and ultimately master it. For Kanzi, there is only memorization and repetition. She does not demonstrate the ability to generalize, apply language rules to multiple different situations, or gain mastery. That is not to say she is not communicating, but that she is not using the formal acquisition of language to do so.
Babies use language first because they are repeating what they hear and later because they begin to gain an understanding of its value in communicating their needs (Weiten 132). While the babies are not demonstrating formal mastery, they will be able to use language as their skills sets increase.
Kanzi and the bees are communicating with one another, but they are not using language in the way humans do. The babies are also communicating and are expanding the capacity for master of the language daily. While their language is no mature yet, it is a reflection of the mastery they will achieve when they are mature. This defines the differences language and communication. Communication is when organisms pass information between themselves, but that communication may be passed in various ways and may not necessarily include language.
Works Cited
Weiten, Wayne. Psychology: Themes and Variations, 2005. Print. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
