For many people, humans are a unique species on earth as a result of one of the most basic elements that mark our intelligence: language. However, even though evolution has given only humans the characteristics that enable vocal communication (which non-human primates have not developed with sophistication), other primates still have the capability for language.
The Ability for Language
Primates have not developed the same vocals in the throat area to communicate adequately through speech. However, language can be composed of anything, not just vocal speech. In their favor, primates have forward-facing three-dimensional eyes and coordinated hands that allow detailed skill-related work both in the wild and under human supervision. Primates also have highly acute hearing so they can pick up and differentiate various sounds with ease.
Primates are also able to plan ahead, anticipate others’ reactions, and thus manipulate their own environment. And yet they have a variety in personalities and individual intelligence that is understated by the relatively low number of subjects tested (compared to humans). This “individuality” variable can cause conclusions to be drawn prematurely on the mental state of animals.
Protection
Language between primates is a result of both a need and desire to form direct relationships with each other (be it human or ape) for mutual protection. This protection, such as shielding a female from a lustful male or helping to raise infants, creates a social structure that becomes otherwise complex from the different personalities of the primates, which like humans, have been linked to the hormone levels in the blood.
Social Status and Relationships
Emotions within an individual are an important precursor to both social relationships and the desire to change those relationships through communication. Baboons often show a decidedly jealous and flirtatious combination when coordinating their friendships and mating, and chimps are known to have self-recognition when placed in front of a mirror, and will often preen itself in its reflection. Even the famous gorilla, Koko, referred to herself as a “fine animal gorilla”. This idea of self-knowledge leads to self-perception in the world around them, which creates an emotional desire to forward one’s social status.
Learning and Teaching Skills
To survive as a primate, both human and non-human, each new generation must rely on learning skills taught by their caretakers. The Tanzanian chimps teach each new generation the habit of licking certain rocks, which makes up for missing nutrients in their diet. A non-human primate may be unable to speak like a human but they have dexterous hands for tool use, and need some sort of sophisticated communication to pass on the knowledge.
Primates are spurred by desire and self-motivation to communicate aptly, though the complexity thereof is under debate. The structure of the language is unique within a social structure, and the causes behind communication are essential to survival in the wild.
Sources:
“Monkey in the Mirror”
1995 Producers: BBC TV
Frisbie, Micheal J.
2001 Koko: “Fine Animal Gorilla”. In Anthropology: Contemporary Perspectives. P Whitten, ed. Pp 163-166. Boston: Alan and Bacon Press.
Smuts, Barbara.
2001 What are Friends For?. In Anthropology: Contemporary Perspectives. P Whitten, ed. Pp 49-55. Boston: Alan and Bacon Press.
