Talking Apes – Ambassadors of the Animal Kingdom in the Human World

Abstract

Humans have always been intrigued by the idea of talking with animals. With Darwinian evolution it became evident that there is no gulf between humans and other animals. Consequently, it seemed logical to assume that some animals may also possess linguistic skills. Since the 1960s, several animals have learned to sign or communicate with an artificial language, demonstrating the continuity between humans and non-human animals. Washoe, Sarah, Kanzi, Nim Chimpsky, Koko, and Chantek are just a few of the most famous ‘talking’ apes.