Early Vocal Development in a Chimpanzee Infant

Abstract

AB: (from the chapter) Investigated the early development of vocal behaviors in a chimpanzee infant. Chimpanzees and human infants have similar vocal tendencies, especially when elicited before about 20 weeks, that is, in the Phonation and Goo stages. The larynx of the human infant moves downward in the Expansion stage, permitting greater vocal resonance and expanded vocal repertoires. The larynx of the chimpanzee remains high. Thus, it may be difficult for the chimpanzee to reach the human Expansion stage and therefore to achieve Canonical babbling.