Animals communicate using not only sound but color and pattern and such. That may not be full language, but it is a reasonable approximation. The same goes for animal consciousness. It may not be full consciousness with awareness of history and planning for the future, but it is close enough to function more or less the same way.
The only examples given of consciousness functioning without were people with major damage to their neurology. If anything that is evidence that the link between consciousness and language is strong enough to only be broken by severe incapacitating injury.
The only examples given of consciousness functioning without were people with major damage to their neurology. If anything that is evidence that the link between consciousness and language is strong enough to only be broken by severe incapacitating injury.