Passage A One function of language is to influence others’ behavior by changing what they know, believe, or desire.
Topic
The differences and similarities between animal communication and human language, especially focusing on mental states, intention, and the possibility of purposeful communication.
Framework
Present Debate (particularly for Passage B); Highlight Noteworthy (for Passage A, which is more informative/comparative)
Main Point
**Passage A:** Animal vocalizations, unlike human language, generally lack intentional communication based on attributing mental states to others—even when they seem purposeful, they are likely automatic responses, not truly purposeful acts based on others' knowledge or needs. **Passage B:** The usual claim that animal communication differs fundamentally from human language due to a lack of conscious intention might be circular and oversimplified; recent research suggests the gap may not be as large or clear-cut as previously thought. - Most Valuable Sentence Passage A: Last line of the first paragraph: - Most Valuable Sentence Passage B: End of last paragraph:
P1: Passage A - Function of Language & Comparison to Animal Vocalizations
The author begins by reminding us that a key function of language is to get others to change what they think, know, or want. For humans, reading other people's minds (in a sense) and responding to perceived needs is a big part of conversation.
P2: Passage A - Differences Between Human and Animal Communication
The passage argues that animal vocalizations, although sometimes evolved to benefit the signaling animal, are unconscious and not guided by an understanding of other animals' mental states. Unlike people, animals (except perhaps chimps) don't seem to communicate based on what they think another animal knows or needs; experimental evidence from frogs, macaques, and chimps shows animal calls are not tailored to inform ignorant individuals.
P1: Passage B - The Conventional Distinction
The passage starts by highlighting a traditional scientific view: animal communication is rigid and reflexive, while human language is flexible and creative.