It seems to me that there is a basic need for some type of communication
within a hive to direct foragers to the target. While the honey bee is very
dependent on chemical signals it would be difficult to rely on air bourn
scent as the only means to locate a nectar source.

It would seem to me that a moderate breeze would make it very difficult for
the forager to find and follow the correct scent trail. I compare this to
what I remember of dogs used to track people in that they need the "ground
scent" to follow but can use an air bourn scent once they get close.

I think it is a bit of a stretch to call the dance a language. But there is
also no reason to think that this is not a means of communication. There is
also no reason to believe that it is the exclusive method foragers use to
attract other bees to a nectar source.