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Language And Interspecific Communication Experiments: A Case To Re-Open?

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Introduction to Biosemiotics

Abstract

Goal of the present article is to re-open the question of language and Interspecific Communication Experiments (ICE, from now on) from a biosemiotic point of view, starting from the realisation that crucial aspects of the issue have been so far underrated or even missed. In particular: – The specifically semiotic achievements of the ICE; – The connection between these achievements and the notion of language; – The consideration of ICE, as research carried out on individual non-human subjects, with specific background, attitudes, etc., in relation to the results achieved; – The several ethical implications of ICE, in terms of both methodology and outcomes. Although I am aware that most of the reflections proposed in this article are to say the least controversial, I am by all means convinced that the discussion on these matters should be restarted, as it deserves a more thorough scrutiny, and – perhaps – a less anthropocentric approach

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Martinelli, D. (2008). Language And Interspecific Communication Experiments: A Case To Re-Open?. In: Barbieri, M. (eds) Introduction to Biosemiotics. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4814-9_18

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