Dew claw and language!

Dew claw and language!

What can the study of a dog’s dew claw tell us about language? A session called “Dancing Hands” at Columbia University's Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, a few months ago, was all about hands and the connection between hands and human brain evolution.

Using question-based pedagogy, I had people notice the differences between my pup Jessie’s dew claw and our opposable thumbs. We then noticed how Jessie catches the ball and how she uses her front paws. We contrasted that with how we would catch a ball and what we do with our hands. ​This connection also led to the language of gestures or hastas in Bharatanatyam. Folks loved drawing hands and making finger puppets!

I love how science communication comes alive when we use the arts and take inspiration from things around us! It also shows that while it can be fun to have cool gadgets, they are not necessary for effective science communication. The natural world is already full of science and inspiration.  

I love how small posts like these trigger cool, amazing discussions amongst readers, and of course, dogs are the best!
A few comments below:

• "Jessie makes me smile real big!!!"  Enjoying life with his human!"
• "What a brilliantly creative program and discussion!" 
• I love how you include your dogs in the discussion. Abby (my dog) would approve!"
• "What a brilliant idea!!" 
• "Exactly Sloka! Remember where the hands are on the ‘homunculus’. I never thought of dogs & their dew claws. I must show my vet this video. Many people have their puppies' dew claws removed, due to them getting caught in something & having them ripped out."