Bonobos Kanzi and his sister acquire symbolic language in the forest

This video illustrates the contrast in the methods of language acquisition utilized within a single project. The first attempt with Lana, looked specifically at symbols, syntax and conversational ability in a single chimpanzee. The second project looked at the ability of two chimpanzees to employ symbols to communicate with each other. The third project looked at the ability of an entire family of bonobos - across three generations - to acquire language in forest setting as they traveled from place to place to locate food. Humans modeled language as they would with a child, but did not drill it or use food rewards to teach symbols. The bonobos demonstrate high level of comprehension of spoken language in this setting.

[@kanziwamba9293]

People used to call apes such as Kanzi Pygmy chimpanzees. I felt that was misleading so I began using a term for them that been used in a Zoo in Belgium- Bonobo - this was written on the shipping crates that delivered them from Africa. At first they thought that was the name of the species- then perhaps the name of a village where they were found. In some places in Africa they are called Bilia - and perhaps this was written on the crates and misread as Bonobo. In any event I decided to always use the term Bonobo after this feature because people were confusing them with chimps. I used it when I spoke and when I wrote and it soon caught on. Then it was patented and used by a clothing company. From the time I began to use the term exclusively- the term pygmy chimpanzees fell out of vogue. Of course the official name is Pan paniscus.

[@EarlSmith2469]

Sue you have done much for science and the future. You are a groundbreaking scientist and hopefully one day you can see Kanzi again. I let the center know I for one as a Linguist, take offense at the "new way" they have embraced concerning Kanzi and the others. It is a downright shame and shame on them for attempting to sweep the truth under the rug.

[@jeffweir8454]

Kanzi 34 years ago! Very cool.

[@margaretnacey9137]

Super cool! I just love these older videos. I was glad to see how much fun and energy Kanzi had and how patient and loving Sue was from the beginning. But more than that, she taught and invited students to participate with her. Finally, how her(?)or these lexigrams helped the profoundly delayed little girl prom to violence because she wasn’t understood!!! Why isn’t sue better known for all this good work? And why isn’t this lexigram being used more outside of her university? As a nurse, many years ago, at The Children’s Institute in Pittsburg, we had a 6y.o. Male patient brought in for violent behavior and “delayed” speech. No one know bad he was until one day when we realized that he was incapable for putting two words together. But no one seemed to have an alternative for him and this was back in the late 90ies. I’m afraid to think of his poor parents what they consequently went through because all we could give them is pills and no way to make him more functional.

[@stellaindwar7469]

It's very amazing

[@Sporek]

I've seen videos where common chimps DO understand spoken English quite easily. I suppose it is a matter of age from which they are though.

[@airconditioner7178]

Have you tried creating your own sign language? baby sign language is is altered so that it is suitable for babies and very young children. I wonder if you could create alternative signs that are more suitable for the animals

[@margaretnacey9137]

So amazing! You’d think more primatologist would be doing the same with other primates or convincing zoos their primates (ones that are willing and able) should be taught too.

[@OfficeIcarusLLC]

Where's the rest? re: "National Geographic Explorer: _Pygmy Chimps: Star Students"_ This was almost 2 hours originally broadcast. incomplete archive?

[@Sporek]

Have you found a full documentary anywhere, friend?