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In Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, researchers have discovered that chimpanzees are capable of sophisticated vocal communication, utilizing a system that resembles the early stages of human language. A study published in *Science Advances* reveals that these primates are not merely expressing basic needs but are combining sounds in complex ways to convey nuanced messages.
Led by evolutionary biologist Cédric Girard-Buttoz, the research involved analyzing over 4,300 vocalizations from 53 adult chimpanzees. The findings indicate that chimpanzees create meaningful combinations of sounds, which the researchers refer to as “bigrams.” These bigrams consist of sequences of two sounds, and the study identified at least 16 distinct combinations that can be used to express different meanings depending on their arrangement.
The study highlights that chimpanzees utilize various methods to modify these sound combinations, similar to how humans apply prefixes and suffixes to alter the meanings of words. For example, altering the order of sounds can change the conveyed message, demonstrating a level of linguistic complexity previously unrecognized in non-human animals.
This advanced form of communication is not limited to urgent situations, such as alerting others to predators. Instead, it encompasses a range of daily activities, including traveling, resting, and social interactions. One notable combination, “hoo + pant,” appears to specifically indicate the action of nesting in trees, which offers safety from ground predators.
The research suggests that chimpanzees may be capable of signaling multiple meanings simultaneously, a characteristic that parallels human sentence structure. This finding positions chimpanzees as more linguistically adept than previously understood, suggesting they possess foundational elements necessary for developing complex language.
The study also raises intriguing questions about the evolution of language, prompting further exploration into whether chimpanzees can string these sound combinations into longer sequences with structured meaning. Girard-Buttoz and his team are already investigating this potential, looking for evidence of syntax in chimpanzee vocalizations.
Overall, this groundbreaking research sheds light on the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees and their potential connection to the evolution of human language, offering a fresh perspective on animal communication.
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