entrancedbymyGCC wrote:Context is one thing, meaning another. . . . Irene Pepperberg felt that Alex using "I'm sorry" was like this -- he new it was a set of sounds that are made in a situation where people are unhappy and that it could defuse the situation.
I agree with Entranced. Most animals behave a particular way in a particular situation, humans can be included in that group. In short, context influences behaviors. However, (and I'm not exactly certain how to say this because I haven't completely thought it through yet. I'm giving it a go anyway,) I think we need to consider an animal's ability to integrate the vocalizations, context, and desired effect with the emotion and/or meaning associated with the words.
Using the above example, Alex used "I'm sorry" in an appropriate context, but was he aware that the words "I'm sorry" indicated he was having feelings of regret or remorse? And did he actually feel regret or remorse when he used the words? (Shoot, I struggle with this with my son all the time...)
So, in an effort to be "all objective" and putting my professional hat on, I say this: In my opinion, the bottom line is that I wouldn't be surprised if a large number of ALL bird vocalizations took place in the proper context. I'm just not sure that it means a whole lot.
Personally, I say this: That said, I'm still fairly certain my birds are smarter than my dogs. And I used to think my dogs were pretty smart. As a result, my dogs are becoming more than a little jealous of my fids. Bucky told Oscar "NO!" today. In context, and I'm pretty sure he
*meant* it! As far as I'm concerned, that makes him pretty darn smart!