Expanding Oxford Languages' Definition of Language: Towards a More Inclusive Framework
Overview
This essay critically examines Oxford Languages' definition of language as a method of human communication and argues for its expansion to be more inclusive. The author proposes that the definition should encompass animal-to-animal communication, human-animal communication, non-living systems like computers, and alternative communication methods such as sign language and braille to create a comprehensive framework.
What this essay covers
- Introduction establishing Oxford's narrow definition of language and thesis for expansion
- Critique of human-only focus and inclusion of animal communication examples
- Discussion of non-living communication through computers and the internet
- Analysis of alternative communication methods beyond spoken and written forms
Preview
Word count: 1391
Linguistic - The Oxford Languages Definition of Language
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Linguistic - The Oxford Languages Definition of Language
We communicate every day in different ways, which can be written, verbal, or using signs and gestures that we can understand. Other animals and machines similarly communicate in daily routines. Language enables communication between human beings, machines, and animals too. However, machines communicate with the help of human beings (Hockett, 1960). According to the Oxford Languages definition of language is "the method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of using words in a structured and conventional way." This definition is good, but I feel much can be added to it to improve it to be all-inclusive. Therefore, this essay criticizes the Oxford language definition of language and proposes the sections that should be included to make the definition inclusive.
Oxford should expand the definition to include communication between animals and animals and human beings (Joseph, 2017. The definition only focuses on human communication. Oxford Languages places the focus of their definition of language on human beings. Language defines communication. According to the definition, language is a method for human communication. This is a bit narrow since communication does not happen between humans only. Animals communicate too (Lukač, 2018, p 6). For example, domestic animals like dogs communicate. We can see the result of communication when the dogs begin fighting or play with each other. This is proof of the existence of language between dogs.