SCI/TECH: Rats Can Tell Human Languages Apart, Study Shows, page 1

Rats can tell the difference between different languages by using the rhythm of human language. A new study shows that mammals evolved skills to develop language before language itself was devloped. This is the first time, besides in the cases of a human or monkey, that an animal has been shown to have this skill.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rats can use the rhythm of human language to tell the difference between Dutch and Japanese, researchers in Spain reported Sunday.

Their study suggests that animals, especially mammals, evolved some of the skills underlying the use and development of language long before language itself ever evolved, the researchers said.

It is the first time an animal other than a human or monkey has been shown to have this skill.

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This is a interesting study done by researchers. They were able to get the rats to understand sentences and respond. They also had the same problem as newborn babies, which is babies understand their parent better then a stranger or different speaker.

Next thing you know we will be talking to our pets and rodents like Tom and Jerry.

[edit on 10-1-2005 by Banshee]