Are ape gestures like words? Outstanding issues in detecting similarities and differences between human language and ape gesture.
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci
; 377(1860): 20210301, 2022 09 26.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35934962
ABSTRACT
Opinion piece ape gestures are made intentionally, inviting parallels with human language; but how similar are their gestures to words? Here we ask this in three ways, considering flexibility and ambiguity, first- and second-order intentionality, and usage in interactive exchanges. Many gestures are used to achieve several, often very distinct, goals. Such apparent ambiguity in meaning is potentially disruptive for communication, but-as with human language-situational and interpersonal context may largely resolve the intended meaning. Our evidence for first-order intentional use of gesture is abundant, but how might we establish a case for the second-order intentional use critical to language? Finally, words are rarely used in tidy signal-response sequences but are exchanged in back-and-forth interaction. Do gestures share this property? In this paper, we examine these questions and set out ways in which they can be resolved, incorporating data from wild chimpanzees. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cognition, communication and social bonds in primates'.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Gestos
/
Lenguaje
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Reino Unido