As an expert in the field of animal cognition and behavior, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the question of whether animals can understand human language. It's a fascinating and complex topic that has been the subject of much research and debate.
Firstly, it's important to clarify what we mean by "understanding." If by understanding we mean the ability to comprehend the semantic meaning of words and sentences in the way that humans do, then the answer is no, animals do not understand human language in that sense. The human brain has a unique capacity for language that is not found in the same form in any other species. This is due to a combination of factors, including the structure of our brains, our cognitive abilities, and the social and cultural contexts in which we develop and use language.
However, if by understanding we mean the ability to recognize and respond to certain words or phrases in a way that suggests some level of comprehension, then the answer is more nuanced. There is evidence to suggest that some animals, particularly those that have been trained or have had extensive social interactions with humans, can learn to associate certain words or sounds with specific meanings or actions. For example, a dog may learn to come when it hears its name or to sit when it hears the command "sit."
The brain imaging study you mentioned is a good example of this. It showed that dogs process words using the left side of their brains, similar to how humans do. This suggests that dogs may have some capacity to distinguish and recognize words. However, it's important to note that this does not mean dogs understand the semantic meaning of the words in the same way humans do. Rather, they may be responding to the sound of the words or associating them with certain actions or outcomes based on their experiences.
The study also found that dogs use the right side of their brains to understand tone and pitch. This is significant because it suggests that dogs are not just responding to the words themselves, but also to the emotional content conveyed through the speaker's voice. This is consistent with what we know about human communication, where tone and pitch can greatly affect the meaning and interpretation of what is being said.
It's also worth noting that while some animals may be able to learn to recognize and respond to certain words or sounds, this does not mean they are interested in what humans have to say. Animals have their own communication systems and ways of interacting with the world that are not necessarily aligned with human language. They may be more focused on non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, and on the immediate sensory and social context in which communication is taking place.
In conclusion, while animals do not understand human language in the same way that humans do, there is evidence to suggest that some animals can recognize and respond to certain words or sounds, and can even pick up on some of the emotional content conveyed through human speech. However, this is a far cry from the complex and nuanced understanding of language that humans possess. It's also important to recognize that animals have their own ways of communicating and interacting with the world that may be just as sophisticated and meaningful in their own right, even if they are different from human language.
read more >>

The brain imaging showed dogs processed words using the left side of their brains, just as humans do. They use the right side of their brains to understand tone and pitch. The study showed dogs understand words and how they are said. ... But those animals are not very interested in what humans have to say.Aug 31, 2016read more >>