Can your pet understand human language? The answer might surprise you
Produced by Tarun Mishra
Produced by Tarun Mishra
In early 20th-century Germany, a horse named Clever Hans appeared to solve maths problems and understand human speech. However, investigations revealed that the horse was responding to subtle, subconscious cues from his trainer rather than genuinely understanding language. This case remains a key example of how animals may seem to comprehend language while actually reacting to external stimuli.
During the 1960s and 1970s, studies attempted to determine if animals could learn human language. Researchers worked with primates, birds, and dolphins, but critics argued that these animals were mimicking trainers rather than truly grasping linguistic meaning. While animals can interpret tone and body language, their ability to understand grammar and complex language structures remains uncertain.
Primates such as Koko the gorilla and Kanzi the bonobo have demonstrated some ability to communicate through sign language and lexigram boards. Koko reportedly knew 1,000 signs but was not fluent, and her signs were often open to interpretation. Kanzi, using a lexigram board, could associate symbols with objects and actions, but debate remains over whether he understood syntax or was merely recognising patterns.
Dogs, having coexisted with humans for thousands of years, are particularly attuned to human speech. Research indicates that some dogs recognise words beyond just tone and gestures. One border collie, Chaser, learned over 1,000 words and could distinguish between different sentence structures, suggesting a basic understanding of syntax.
In 2024, a study using button boards found that dogs responded to recorded words such as “outside” and “play” even without human context cues. The findings suggest that dogs associate specific sounds with meanings, though their ability to differentiate between similar words remains limited.
While some animals can associate words with actions or objects, their grasp of language differs from that of humans. Studies indicate that animals do not generally understand grammar or syntax in the same way humans do. Most observed responses are likely due to pattern recognition rather than true linguistic comprehension.
Scientists continue to explore how animals process human language. Studies are now investigating whether dogs can refer to absent objects using button boards or create novel word combinations. While researchers remain cautious about attributing language ability to animals, findings suggest that their cognitive skills may be more advanced than previously thought.