Question

True or False. All animals are capable of understanding syntax.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily.

(Answer) False

According to the Webster’s dictionary syntax is the way in which words are put together to form phrases, clauses, or sentences. Domesticated animals are reared are around humans and eventually should be able to pick up a certain level of understanding of their owner’s speech.

Although, this cannot be applied extensively to a vast animal kingdom that includes a vast number of species that are not and cannot be domesticated. Furthermore, between 2 animals, there are rare cases where syntax is adopted in the natural communication of animals. (source: tanner lectures)