GEN240 A person who speaks against others is inferior to animals.  Onkelos defines the words “a living soul” (nefesh chaya) as a soul which can speak.  Man, then is elevated above all animals for God has given him the ability to speak.  However, this unique faculty elevates man only when he uses it for a worth purposes.  Someone who misuses his speech by speaking against others is considered lower than a beast.  A beast cannot destroy through talk, whereas man can slay with his tongue.  PLYN 24