Primate Linguistics

Primate linguistics studies the communication systems of primates like chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas to understand how language abilities may have evolved. Researchers analyze how primates use gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions to convey information and social bonds. This field explores similarities and differences with human language, shedding light on the cognitive and neurological foundations of communication. While primates do not possess language in the human sense, their social signals provide valuable insights into the origins of complex language skills and the evolutionary roots of human communication.