Why do you think other species lack in communication?
As you mentioned a bee does a dance, that’s all they have to communicate with. However they are able to give very precise directions to the other hive members. Did it just magically happen?
Dolphins and whales might have very complex communication, research is still be done. What scientist are finding is very surprising in how they can communicate and the distance they are able to to communicate over. A whale (forgot species) was heard repeating a thirty (30) minute long song. They just don't know what he is saying (scientist).
I want to say gibbons might be wrong so lets go with a monkey species instead. A lot of study was performed on this species and it was found they have different words for, eagle, snake, jaguar, other monkeys not from their group and a few others I can't recall from memory. In all they had at least 6 sounds that ment something specific. Possibly up to 15 or so actually sounds that meant something.
For you to think we are the only ones that have language and are able to communicate could be in error. Other species use what is available to them. Like Crash said we a have vastly versatile vocal apparatus along with a large brain and it allows us to communicate on a grander scale. Imagine what out language would be like if we did not have our vocal apparatus that allows us to form words. Also take note how language (written and spoken) differ from civilization to civilization. Papua New Guinea had about 1000 different languages, between the tribes. Most tribes only knew their nearest neighbor and not any other tribes.
Something to think about.
*Edit* Source: The Third Chimpanzee, by Jared Diamond
Also like nwr said, spoken language came about before written.
This message has been edited by Wolf, 08-12-2005 08:09 AM
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