Book 33, Question 119 · Video
Can apes learn to use symbols to talk to people?
Some apes have learned to use pictures or signs to tell people what they want. A bonobo named Kanzi learned to touch symbols on a keyboard and could understand many spoken words. Scientists still debate how much this is like human language. Apes are clever and can communicate in many ways. They also talk to each other with gestures and calls.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Can apes learn to use symbols to talk to people?
The Big Idea
Can apes learn to talk with people? Some use symbols! Let's find out.
Pictures and Signs
Step one: Pictures and Signs. Some apes have learned to use pictures or signs to tell people what they want. They point to symbols for things like food, drinks, or play.
Kanzi
Step two: Kanzi. A bonobo named Kanzi learned to touch symbols on a keyboard. He could understand hundreds of spoken English words.
Still Debating
Step three: Still Debating. Scientists still debate how much this is like human language, with grammar and full sentences. Apes are clever and also talk to each other with gestures and calls.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Pictures. Kanzi's tool. Natural. Natural.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Kanzi understood hundreds of spoken English words. Some apes use symbols. Scientists still debate. Apes use gestures.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Invent five picture symbols. Make them for eat, drink, play, rest, and help. Show them to a friend. Ask them to guess each meaning. How many did they get?
Outro
Some apes have learned to use pictures or signs to tell people what they want. A bonobo named Kanzi touched keyboard symbols and understood hundreds of spoken words. Scientists debate how much this is like language. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!