Deciphering our language

Wild Ways

IS it any wonder our ancestors were upset by the wailing of banshees? Perhaps there really were such people or were they ghostly manifestations? Certainly, I have been privy to sighting a number of ghosts in my life, many of them verifiable.

Last night, I witnessed two different sounds which could have been misconstrued as such but they were merely calls in a language different to ours. The first was that of a fox, probably a dog fox, which has created a path of shortened grass through our orchard.
I have seen him a couple of times; a spread of blue-grey feathers beside it indicates that he recently had pigeon for dinner. The other was a neighbour’s cat with its eerie cry like that of a baby with teething problems. Both these creatures were using their own specific language probably to woo possible partners. Certainly, their call could be heard from some distance away.
What is language, we may well ask? My dictionary begins its interpretation with “human speech” but continues its definitions to include “a way of expressing thought or feeling” and “system of symbols or signs which facilitates intelligible communication”. Language is not limited to humans although perhaps our own linguistic expression is the most complex and sophisticated. It is indeed a system of symbols or signs which facilitate intelligible communication. I think that most of us consider such a dictionary interpretation to be the only definitive one. But then, many of us are residents of urban areas where other creatures are seldom encountered. That fox and that cat are, as do dogs, birds and most living creatures, letting other members of their own species learn of their desires or needs in their own shared language. Some people, such I understand to include Britain’s Prince Charles and even ourselves, even talk to our plants, albeit in our language. However, there is reputedly a way that such creations also positively react, perhaps through vibes of love or hope that they will succeed so as to produce bountiful crops. Many of us communicate with our dogs through a language which is not specifically English, Irish or French but which is immediately reacted upon. We have therefore communicated our sentiments.
Language doesn’t have to be merely the oral word of mouth; it can, in advanced society, be written. Music, of course, is another form of language which can also be written. It can also be demonstrated through motion such as when a cat, or most animals, is showing their very young offspring how to scavenge for food or to fend off possible attack. Sound though, is possibly the most effective.
Haven’t many of us heard birds of all kinds screeching and chattering their fear, similarly interpreted as such by us, when a hawk or eagle is hovering above them ready to create murder in order to survive. Pain is communicated with “ow” or “help” which, rather than sophisticatedly prolonged language, immediately sends out vibes that need rapid action. Babies haven’t learnt their parents’ language but are able to tell us when they are hungry or uncomfortable. “Brr” is a universally accepted expression of cold in humans, or “euue” and “yuc” when something nasty is proffered.
Language and its study is fun for it is hugely multifaceted. As suggested, it is used each in its different forms, by almost every living creature. There is an incredibly large variety of expression in it. Try comparing those of different species, even using variations of it to see if you get a reaction.
BLACK SPOT
Slow drivers who fail to make full use of their rear mirrors and who fail to facilitate queues of frustrated followers to overtake safely.
GOOD MARK
Citizens, especially those out of work or on short time, who occupy themselves with constructive hobbies such as DIY, artwork or writing family history.
WEEK’S TIP
Now that autumn is here, make sure that outside drains are clear, gates in good order and that garden rubbish is removed. Inside, check and repair draft-producing holes and places, clean chimneys and ensure that there are no leaks.