I seriously doubt the capabilities of animals when it comes to language. Sure they have a wide spectrum of gestures and facial expressions (of course especiall

I seriously doubt the capabilities of animals when it comes to language. Sure they have a wide spectrum of gestures and facial expressions (of course especially apes or gorillas, with which we share a great amount of our genetics), but do they really understand? Is the record of "Alex" the Grey Parrot impressive? Yes, but don't forget that a qualified animal researcher and scientist made it her life's project to teach this parrot. I think that most animals just learn to loosely "say"/do things when it's wanted from them, because of very loose connections and patterns they recognize, not certainly as a way of deep emotional expression. Maybe someone has Sources for Neurological Studies on this? Could in my opinion clarify a little bit, what these animals actually "think" while issuing sign language gestures or while talking, therefore maybe unraveling their real capabilities of understanding.