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Home : Science : Social Sciences : Anthropology : Linguistic Anthropology : Ape Sign Language
Ape Sign Language
Language is often pointed to as the hallmark of the human species. This assertion has had many proponents into the twentieth century and it is widely held that humans differ markedly from animals in their use of language. In the past thirty years, this assertion has been the subject of many debates as scientists have researched capacity of sign language acquisition by apes. Incredible claims have been made by some researchers about the linguistic capabilities of their subjects, mostly chimpanzees. These claims have been refuted and counter-refuted many times, and the literature on the subject is extensive. Currently, there is no general consensus on the ability of non-human primates to acquire language.
Sites in Ape Sign Language
Language Research Center
Primate research center studying language acquisition through work with bonobos and chimpanzees. Features a list of publications and ape biographies.
The Primatech Project
A cognitive model of Chantek, a signing orangutan, for an installation at Zoo Atlanta.
The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute
This institute at Central Washington University cares for five chimpanzees who are being taught American Sign Language.
Koko the Gorilla
The Gorilla Foundation brings interspecies communication to the public through Koko, famous for her sign language skills.
Language in Child and Chimp?
General commentary on ape language with transcripts of chats with apes and interviews with ape language researchers.
Primate Research Institute: Section of Language and Intelligence
Chimpanzee language research projects at Kyoto University. News, pictures and biographies of chimpanzee subjects as well as researchers.
Non-Human Primates and Language
This project is part of a theoretical course on Syntax and Grammatical Theories taught by Prof. Dirk Geeraerts at K.U.Leuven.
The Case Against the Animal Mind
A article by Clive Wynne that argues evidence from the ape sign language studies demonstrates that our closest animal relatives do not have consciousness.
Primate Language
Sue and Duane Rumbaugh argue the documentation of elementary language competence in species other than humans has significant implications for the understanding of the brain. Article includes a history of ape sign language research.
Primate Use of Language
Lauren Kosseff suggests the acquisition of some aspects of language in primates may shed light on the development of language in early humans.
Chimpanzee Communication & Language-related Areas of the Brain
A report from the National Science Foundation discussing research into chimpanzee brain physiology and areas of the brain associated with language in humans.
Talking With Chimps
An article that describes why some researchers feel that chimps may be able to learn language.
An Internet Chat with Koko the Gorilla
Read the transcript of the chat which took place on April 27th, 1998. This event was the first ever live inter-species Internet chat.
The Straight Dope: Are Gorillas Using Sign Language Really Communicating with Humans?
Cecil Adams' research column on the divided scientific opinions about apes and language.
Are Nonhuman Species Capable of Language Acquisition?
A discussion of the value and validity of ape language research.
Language in Apes: How Much Do They Know and How Much Should We Teach Them
Introductory overview of ape language research, its history and its practice. |
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cross references
Reference : Dictionaries : Sign Languages Science : Biology : Zoology : Chordates : Mammalogy : Primatology Society : Issues : Animal Welfare : Specific Animals : Primates