Essay On Non Human Primates

Researchers for a long time have been fascinated with studying non-human primates and their communication abilities. With researchers studying this, it has increased the knowledge we have of the human language and the human brain. Among the ways primates typically communicate, the use of sign language between non-human primates and humans has come as a way to study/ form a connection between non-human and human communication. In this essay, I will be exploring the use of sign language by non-human primates and comparing why certain species of primates can learn and excel by using sign language while others do not. By studying this topic we can gain valuable knowledge about what distinguishes our cognitive/ communication abilities from our closest

Through years of training and interactions Koko the gorilla demonstrated a great knowledge of having learned ASL (American Sign Language). To quote ’’She communicates in sign language, using a vocabulary of over 1,000 words.’’ She understood English as well (over 2,000 words) when spoken and responded in sign language to questions being asked of her in English. The case of Koko demonstrates the cognitive abilities that primates can show when being trained for sign language. It also provides evidence that non-human primates can use a communication system to express their thoughts and needs to humans. Moreover, it showcases to us more how non-human primates have a complex range of emotions and thoughts as we do. We see this as well with Koko who used sign language to express her emotions for example ‘’ When her pet cat died, Koko signed “cat, cry, have, sorry,

She knew over 350 words of ASL and even taught an orphan chimpanzee named Louilis ASL. The chimpanzees even used sign language to communicate with one another. Another factor that contributes to sign language acquisition in different primates is social structure. Highly sociable primates like chimpanzees who naturally engage in lots of complex social interactions and use a great number of communication skills with each other will have a greater chance of acquiring the use of sign language. This may be because bonds with other chimpanzees in the community influence the motivational need to learn sign language to communicate/coordinate within that specific group. Lastly, the brain structures of different primates can play a role in the differences in sign language proficiency among primate species. Studies of different primate brains have shown that there are variations in the size and organization of the brain region for language processing. These include the prefrontal cortex and inferior frontal gyrus which both play an important role in the comprehension of language and