Expression and Communication

Abstract

Walther (1974) reviewed expressive behavior of bovids in considerable detail. He discussed various theoretical aspects, including a number of earlier attempts at defining expressive behavior unequivocally, and formulated the following definition of his own:

“Expressions which function in social communication, are the outward manifestations of an animal’s momentary psycho-somatic situation. They are addressed to an actual partner (usually a conspecific) and are aimed at releasing adequate responses above the level of contagious effects, without influencing the partner mechanically and without the performer leaving the partner’s sphere of action.” Though minor modifications may be found desirable in the future (as it stands, it is applicable primarily to visual communication), this definition seems a useful attempt at circumscribing the behavior considered here. (As will have been noted, the term “expression” is, for present purposes, restricted to social contexts only). As there is insufficient space here to discuss many of the points raised by Walther (1974), his extensive review should be consulted by anyone with more than a passing interest in expressive behavior of ungulates.