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This 4 page paper discusses the debate of whether non-human primates have the instinct for learning language as humans do. Examples given, Matt Ridley discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_MBridley.rtf
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journalist argues that non-human primates do not have a language instinct, that it is genetically impossible for primates to acquire language capabilities. And, yet, the scientific camps are evenly split
as the debate rages. So, given all of the information and research floating around, who would seem to be right? Matt Ridley argues that on a purely genetic basis it
is virtually impossible for primates to attain language capabilities. It is simply not possible. This is because, as he says, "Language is something that in every sense is a genetic
instinct. Theres no question that human beings, unless theyre unlucky and have a genetic mutation, inherit a capacity for learning language. That capacity is simply not inherited in anything like
the same degree by a chimpanzee or a dolphin or any other creature. But you dont inherit the language; you inherit the capacity for learning the language from the environment."(The
Edge 2004). And, yet, there is compelling research that would seem to indicate that latent genetic structures DO exist in the non-human primate brain which, genetically, have been predisposed
to remain switched off. The proper stimulus and environmental reinforcement may actually encourage the firing up of this latent tendency for language. For example, in the Primatech Project, an Orangutan
named, Chantek was alleged to have the capabilities of a four-year-old human. The research with Chantek indicated that he was able to recognize and comprehend over a hundred various
American Sign Language idioms. He was able to combine, split, and regroup various signs to achieve goals, or to obtain information for himself. Chantek was capable of lying as well.
This would seem to show usage and comprehension of the syntax. "Like human children, Chantek showed different stages in his referential communication; he went from pointing to an object, to
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