Language in humans and chimpanzees: A semantics' problem

Abstract

In this paper we review some of the major studies investigating the so called “chimpanzee language” or the “linguistic abilities of apes” and try to sort out what exactly have they demonstrated, what are the assumptions underlying such studies, their motivations and their methodological problems. A considerable number of concepts have also been reviewed, since a broad use of the term “language” generated a great deal of confusion about the real meaning and extent of the finding of cognitive abilities in apes that are important requirements for the emergence of language, but by no means reach the level of complexity that defines the human language.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v16i1.476