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 [MORE]
1.
An Internet Chat with Koko the Gorilla
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Read the transcript of the chat which took place on April 27th, 1998. This event was the first ever live inter-species Internet chat.
Language in Child and Chimp?
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General commentary on ape language with transcripts of chats with apes and interviews with ape language researchers.
6.
Language Research Center
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Primate research center studying language acquisition through work with bonobos and chimpanzees. Features a list of publications and ape biographies.
7.
Non-Human Primates and Language
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This project is part of a theoretical course on Syntax and Grammatical Theories taught by Prof. Dirk Geeraerts at K.U.Leuven.
8.
Primate Language
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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
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Lauren Kosseff suggests the acquisition of some aspects of language in primates may shed light on the development of language in early humans.
11.
Talking With Chimps
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An article that describes why some researchers feel that chimps may be able to learn language.
12.
The Case Against the Animal Mind
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A article by Clive Wynne that argues evidence from the ape sign language studies demonstrates that our closest animal relatives do not have consciousness.
