I think the thing about animal language is there is no objective truth to it. Even with well defined words and educated and experienced communicators, miscommunication and ambiguity is everywhere in human language.

For animals I think there is less language as we know it. Communication is an instantaneous and unfiltered expression of mental state, and there isn’t much guarantee that it’s received as intended. My dog is the friendliest little dude. He will play bow other dogs immediately, and then jump around with excitement. But it’s extremely common that other dogs misread this and respond with aggression.

I suppose I think animal language is less something we could ever learn academically and more something you just feel.