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In the context of language, a dog is often classified as a noun, but what exactly does that mean? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a noun is a word that refers to a person, place, thing, or idea.
In this case, a dog is clearly a thing, as it is a living creature that can be perceived through our senses. However, the classification of a dog as a thing is not as straightforward as it seems. For instance, in the eyes of the law, a dog is considered property, which raises questions about its status as a person or a place.
The classification of a dog as a thing also affects how we treat it in society. For example, dogs are often subject to regulations and laws that govern the treatment of property, rather than being given the same rights and protections as people. This highlights the complexities of classifying a dog as a thing.
Classification
Classification is a way of identifying whether something is a noun. It's a time-worn method, often taught in schools, that categorizes things as "person, place or thing".
Noah, a 7-year-old, refused to classify an animal as a "thing" during a grammar lesson, instead insisting it should be a "being". He felt strongly about this, and his mother was proud of him for speaking up.
Treating any sentient being as a "thing" or an "it" can produce horrific and cruel results. Noah's mother encouraged him to show respect for his teacher, but also acknowledged his point that animals should not be called things because they are beings.
Animals should not be called things because they are beings, not things.
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Sources
- https://www.peta.org/teachkind/lesson-plans-activities/nouns-animals-not-things/
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog
- https://www.courant.com/2007/11/11/is-an-animal-a-thing-or-a-being/
- https://chompchomp.com/terms/nounphrase.htm
- https://proofed.co.uk/writing-tips/common-proper-nouns-knowing-the-difference/
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