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Sign Language Studies with Chimpanzees in Sanctuary.

Mary Lee Jensvold^1,2,3, Kailie Dombrausky^1,4, Emily Collins²

¹Friends of Washoe, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI

|November 25, 2023

Summary

Adult chimpanzees Tatu and Loulis demonstrated consistent use of American Sign Language (ASL) over eight years. They utilized learned signs and acquired new ones for diverse communication, highlighting ape linguistic capabilities.

Keywords:

ASL chimpanzee communicative function sanctuary sign language vocabulary

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Behavioral Assessment of Manual Dexterity in Non-Human Primates

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Published on: November 11, 2011

Area of Science:

Primatology
Animal Communication
Cognitive Ethology

Background:

Adult chimpanzees Tatu and Loulis at the Fauna Foundation sanctuary previously acquired American Sign Language (ASL) signs.
Their continued use of ASL into adulthood suggests the long-term retention and adaptability of learned communication systems in non-human primates.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze eight years of sign language records from two adult chimpanzees, Tatu and Loulis.
To investigate the consistency, range, and functions of their ASL use over an extended period.

Main Methods:

Systematic data collection through daily sign checklists and sign logs by ASL-proficient caregivers.
Analysis of recorded sign usage during interactions with humans and other chimpanzees, as well as private self-directed signing.

Main Results:

Tatu and Loulis consistently used a majority of their established ASL vocabulary throughout the eight-year study.
Chimpanzees demonstrated the use of previously acquired signs alongside the acquisition of new signs.
Signed utterances served multiple communicative functions, including responses, requests, descriptions, and conversational devices.
Signing occurred in various contexts: directed at caregivers, other chimpanzees (both sign-using and non-sign-using), and for self-directed communication.

Conclusions:

Consistent and versatile ASL use by adult chimpanzees underscores the complexity of ape communication.
A stimulating and interactive environment is crucial for understanding the full scope of ape communication, particularly their capacity for sign language.
Long-term studies of sign use in chimpanzees provide valuable insights into cognitive abilities and the potential for interspecies communication.