SCIENCES

Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals

by Con. Slobodchikoff
St. Martin's. Nov. 2012. c.320p. ISBN 9780312611798. $25.99. SCI
COPY ISBN
Slobodchikoff (biology, Northern Arizona Univ.) came to this country as a five year old after an early childhood in Shanghai with his Russian-speaking parents. Owing to a series of missteps by his teachers, his lack of English was misinterpreted as a latent stutter, which forced him into years of unnecessary speech-correction classes. This early exposure to the importance of language acquisition left him not only curious about how language is acquired, but also with an innate, deep understanding of the necessity of language and communication. Here he seamlessly intersperses wry, fascinating animal examples of language use and style with examples of human interaction that illuminate the complexity of animal communication.
VERDICT Focusing on important issues such as eating, danger, love, protection, and initial interactions, Slobodchikoff puts the world of animal communication into a realm that readers can readily understand, appreciate, and marvel at. Highly recommended for general readers interested in the complexities of language across species.
Reviewed by Susan E. Brazer, Salisbury Univ. Lib., MD , Nov 01, 2012
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2024
by McKibben, Bill & Jaime Green
NONFICTION

Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan
by Halteman, Matthew C.
NONFICTION

The World Beneath: The Life and Times of Unknown Sea Creatures and Coral Reefs
by Smith, Richard
NONFICTION

Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future
by Beiser, Vince
NONFICTION

The Church of Stop Shopping and Religious Activism: Combatting Consumerism and Climate Change Through Performance
by González, George
NONFICTION

Not My Type: Automating Sexual Racism in Online Dating
by Williams, Apryl
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?