This haunts me. Gorillas and chimps are crazy smart and can be taught sign language, so why can’t they speak? They have human-like mouths and they’re obviously vocal, so why don’t they at least have the vocabulary of a toddler?
In:
Eh, some apes have been taught to communicate using sign language signs but they haven’t necessarily acquired *language*. Vocabulary? Sure. And they have even shown an understanding of quite complex ideas and concepts – even humour and jokes. But that’s not language. They haven’t shown an aptitude for grammar, for example. In the least offensive way possible, they’re sort of on par with older feral children who weren’t able to acquire language either – like Jeanie, a famous and extensively studied feral child who learned vocabulary and concepts, but couldn’t acquire grammar and language.
Both of them would say things like “love baby doll it” or “I cat eat bread”. A clear attempt at communication, but mostly just a jumble of words *just* shy of structure and language.
Which, to the point, isn’t all that different from a toddler. They might even have a vocabulary on par with a toddler. They’re just missing the brain power or exposure (in the case of feral children) to make it *language*.
As for why they can’t speak, it’s more likely that they just don’t. Either because they’re simply disinclined (like how some birds are *excellent* mimics and some birds can’t be arsed. It’s a natural inclination of some but not others) or because their brains just aren’t capable of making the connection. Scientists used to think they physically weren’t capable – that, structurally, they couldnt produce the sounds if they wanted to. But more recent studies have found evidence that, based on their anatomy, they probably could produce language sounds. The precise reason they don’t, however, is likely that they just can’t grasp language like a human brain can.
Latest Answers