Does Language Reveal Our Attitude Towards Dogs?
The examples quoted above show that the Polish language is full of expressions that do not present dogs in a particularly favourable light. Today, however, language is changing. More and more often, we reflect not only on how we speak about animals, and this linguistic shift goes hand in hand with a change in our thinking. Discussions about animal welfare, animal rights and more balanced interspecies relationships are becoming increasingly common. A change in language turns out to be simultaneously a change in how we perceive the world.
As Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot (Institute of Contemporary Culture, Faculty of Philology, 91桃色) notes:
This is a parallel change. A change in language accompanies a change in thinking 鈥� and vice versa.
The researcher pointed out that we were increasingly reflecting on how to speak about animals in order to think about them differently, more positively and on equal terms.
Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic (Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, 91桃色) shares a similar perspective:
I agree that we are moving in the right direction, also from a psychological perspective. Although, of course, there is still more that can be done. The change we observe in language truly goes hand in hand with broader socio-cultural change.
Man鈥檚 Best Friend 鈥� But on Whose Terms?
Changes in language are indeed taking place. It seems to me that attitudes towards animals and the symbolism historically associated with dogs are an excellent measure of cultural values 鈥� dr hab. Natalia Lemann, Associate Professor at the 91桃色 (Institute of Contemporary Culture, Faculty of Philology, 91桃色), pointed out that attitudes toward animals and the symbolism of the dog were an excellent barometer of cultural values.
As the researcher pointed out, negative expressions and proverbs about dogs are not present in all cultures: 鈥� We will not find them, for example, among subpolar peoples, who have lived in close companionship with dogs since the dawn of their history. In this culture, dogs are deities and heroes of numerous myths. These myths concern complete companionship 鈥� spiritual, physical and interspecies 鈥� between humans and dogs.
At the same time, she has reminded the audience that in our culture dogs have traditionally performed more utilitarian and guarding functions.
We often repeat that the dog is man鈥檚 best friend. However, as Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot observed, we should reflect on what this friendship has looked like in the past and what it looks like today. For centuries, the human鈥揹og relationship was primarily defined by human needs. Only relatively recently have we begun to ask not only what dogs give to humans, but also what they themselves need. Today, we increasingly recognise that animals also have their own rights and needs. This is evident, for example, in responses to natural disasters. Just a few decades ago, the fate of animals remained at the margins of public discussion; today, their safety is becoming part of media discourse and rescue efforts.
Why Do We Love Dogs So Much?
From a psychological perspective, the dog occupies a unique place in human life. It helps regulate emotions and provides a sense of closeness and acceptance. For many people, a relationship with a dog is a source of support, particularly during moments of loneliness, crisis or uncertainty.
Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic explained the psychological mechanisms behind this relationship:
A dog acts as a figure that regulates many of our emotions, allowing us to express our feelings. It is often simply easier to express emotions towards our dog than towards other people.
As the psychologist has emphasised, the idea of unconditional acceptance is frequently associated with dogs:
When we think about companion animals 鈥� perhaps especially dogs rather than cats 鈥� the term 鈥榰nconditional love鈥� often appears. It is something we receive; we are accepted regardless of what we do.
Dogs respond to our emotional needs. However, the participants stressed the importance of caution when directly transferring human experiences onto animals. We receive this 鈥渦nconditional love鈥� from dogs 鈥� but what do we give in return? Contemporary animal care has reached a level that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. Advances in veterinary medicine, the development of animal behaviourism and growing knowledge about animal needs mean that we care for dogs in a more conscious and informed way.
The Risks of Anthropomorphising Dogs
At the same time, a new challenge has emerged 鈥� anthropomorphism, that is, attributing human traits, emotions and ways of thinking to animals.
It is worth stepping back a little from this way of thinking about love and instead focusing on resources, remembering that the dog still has wolf-like atavisms. We will take better care of our dogs when we stop attributing so many human characteristics to them. This is difficult for a caregiver who is so devoted to their dog and believes in unconditional love. That love is there, of course, but these are not the same emotions. They are not identical, they are not understood in the same way, and these needs are not met in the same way. In other words, a dog remains an animal with its own instincts and needs 鈥� Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot explained.
Where Does the Boundary Lie?
Today, dogs are increasingly treated as full members of the family. They accompany us on trips, participate in everyday life, and their needs are taken into account far more often than they were several decades ago. However, does everything we do for our pets actually serve their well-being? This was one of the key questions raised during the meeting.
As Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic notes:
It is crucial to take into account the perspective of our four-legged friend, not just our own. Quite simply, the needs of the dog and our own needs may diverge.
She also pointed out that some contemporary forms of care may respond more to human needs than to those of the animal:
We are indeed learning to care for animals better and better, but sometimes it takes forms that serve us more than them 鈥� I mean things like dog spas or dog gyms, where we can take care of the animal鈥檚 fitness. In principle, it sounds great, but it is worth asking where the boundary lies, what serves us and what serves them.
This does not mean, however, that understanding between humans and dogs does not exist. On the contrary, it often takes place without words.
Referring to canine nature, Prof. Natalia Lemann noted that despite centuries of coexistence with humans, dogs remain, to some extent, mysterious creatures. The symbolism of dogs in different cultures is highly complex. On the one hand, dogs are associated with loyalty and honour; on the other, expressions exist that present them negatively.
Prof. Lemann also referred to some Indigenous cultures of the Americas, where dogs were seen as a symbol of a lack of honour precisely because they forgive 鈥� yet they were also associated with desire and passion.
A dog, like any living being, is extraordinarily complex 鈥� she concluded.
A Dog Will Remain, in Part, a Mystery
Are humans capable of truly understanding dogs? The participants agreed that there were limits we cannot cross. We speak about dogs using human language and describe them through human concepts. Is it possible to speak about another species without projecting our own traits and language onto it?
Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot answered:
It is a human language, not a canine one, and we will not cross that boundary 鈥� it is simply not possible, no matter how hard we try.
This does not mean, however, that we are helpless. Within these limits, common sense, scientific knowledge, observation and the expertise of specialists 鈥� veterinarians, behaviourists and researchers of human鈥揳nimal relationships 鈥� can prove invaluable.
As the researcher notes:
This is a world that remains inaccessible to us, and that is precisely the beauty of this mystery. We do not know what cats think, we do not know what dogs think, and we do not know what chickens think. All we can do is ensure they have the best possible living conditions.
From a psychological perspective, the human鈥揹og relationship is based primarily on non-verbal communication. Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic has emphasised that humans and dogs share many basic emotions, which enables them to form strong bonds and interpret each other鈥檚 signals. Problems arise when we attribute more complex, distinctly human emotions to dogs and interpret their behaviour solely through the lens of our own experiences.
Perhaps, the most important lesson from the discussion 鈥淧rzyjaciel czy psiecko?鈥� is this: the greatest expression of care for a dog is not treating it like a human, but trying to understand it as it truly is 鈥� unique, yet still a dog.
The full discussion 鈥淧rzyjaciel czy psiecko? O roli psa w kulturze i relacjach mi臋dzyludzkich鈥� [Friend or 鈥渄og baby鈥�? The role of dogs in culture and interpersonal relationships] is available on the .
Source: dr hab. Natalia Lemann; Dr Magdalena Piotrowska-Grot; Adrianna Kaczuba-Kozic; Agata Dawidowicz
Edit: Agata Dawidowicz, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, 91桃色
Photos: Bartosz Ka艂u偶ny, Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, 91桃色