A clever border collie that can fetch at least 200 objects by name may be living proof that dogs truly understand human language, German scientists have reported
Published:
11 June 2004 y., Friday
A clever border collie that can fetch at least 200 objects by name may be living proof that dogs truly understand human language, German scientists have reported.
Rico can figure out which object his master wants even if he has never heard the word before, the researchers say.
The findings, reported in the journal Science, may not surprise many dog owners. But they are certain to re-ignite a debate over what language is and whether it is unique to humans.
Rico's abilities seem to follow a process called fast mapping, seen when young children start to learn to speak and understand language, they report.
Fast-mapping allows a child to form quick and rough hypotheses about the meaning of a new word the first time they hear or see it.
"(Rico) lives as a pet with his owners and was reported by them to know the labels of more than 200 items, mostly children's toys and balls, which he correctly retrieved upon request," Julia Fischer of the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig and colleagues wrote.
His owners say "Rico, wo ist der (where is the) Banane (banana)," or "BigMac" or "Panda", and the dog searches, out of sight of the owner, until he finds the object.
Fischer and colleagues set up experiments to test the dog and are satisfied that he understands the words.
Šaltinis:
abc.net.au
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.
The most popular articles
Fit for royalty -- a limited edition Kate Middleton doll goes on sale in the United States.
more »
The world's oldest man celebrates his 114th birthday in Japan.
more »
Sweden and Singapore are the most competitive countries in the digital economy, according to a study by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
more »
Sir Richard Branson announces plans to pilot a small submarine to the furthest reaches of the ocean floor in an attempt to set a record.
more »
The Da Vinci surgical robot has gained a reputation as an indispensable tool for surgeons performing delicate surgical procedures.
more »
Biz Café – a concept targeted towards the jet–set workaholics who need gadget ready environments even while relaxing with a cup of coffee.
more »
A disgruntled owner smashes his luxury supercar in protest after experiencing continual maintenance problems.
more »
Fom tea towels to slippers, a British grandmother has collected some 10,000 items of royal memorabilia. is being crowned the Queen of royal memorabilia.
more »
Dog owners dress up their pets during Brazil's annual dog carnival.
more »
Samba schools are getting their costumes and floats ready for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
more »