This is a highly debated topic in biological anthropology. One of the big questions is whether non-human primates can really learn language. There have been many instances were chimpanzees, gorillas, etc. have been taught to speak using sign language. Possibly the most famous is the gorilla Koko. Her trainer raised her from a baby and taught her American Sign Language. She now knows over 1,000 signs and uses 500 regularly. But the question remains, does she really know what the signs mean? Or are they just a way to get what she wants?...
Tags: Abstract, capable, non-human, primates, thought?