Psychology, 5/e   Wortman, Loftus & Weaver
	Online Learning Center

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What mental qualities make humans intellectually superior to animals?

Scientists tend to avoid statements like “intellectually superior,” as it given the incorrect assumption that humans are “better” than other species. Humans are remarkably well-adapted for their environment, but that doesn’t make us “superior.”

A better question might be, “why have no other animals shown the same kind of cognitive abilities as humans.” Even though that is still somewhat human-centered--after all, we are the ones who get to define cognitive abilities!--the deeper question is valid. The answer, according to many psychologists, is human LANGUAGE. Virtually all animals can communicate, and some communicate quite effectively--there can be little doubt as to the meaning of a dog growling deeply while baring its teeth. But even the most sophisticated forms of non-human communication pale in comparison to human language. Language allows us to travel to the past, rehashing previous events and experiences. Language also allows us to imagine the future, and to make long-range plans regarding upcoming situations. In fact, many (though certainly no all) scientists believe that language lies at the very heart of human consciousness, in effect “defining” humans.

2. Do bilingual people think in both languages?

This has been an area of intense research in the past few years. The answer appears to hinge upon the person’s fluency with each language. Non-fluent speakers apparently translate from their non-native language into their primary language, and thus “think” only in one language. After bilinguals have thoroughly mastered both languages they do not appear to translate, however, and do indeed “think” in both languages.

Copyright ©1999 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.