Careers in Science & Medicine

Why do chimpanzees use American Sign Language (ASL)?

-From Next of Kin - A Compassionate Interdisciplinary Science Curriculum.

The natural gesturing of free-living chimpanzees has great implications for communication research. Because chimpanzees have little voluntary control of their vocalizations, attempts to teach them a vocal language were not successful.

ASL is a gestural language and gesturing is a natural chimpanzee behavior. Washoe and the other chimpanzees at CHCI were easily able to modify an already present behavior and form ASL signs to communicate with their foster family members.

The chimpanzees at CHCI use and understand ASL. We can ask, and they can tell us what they want to do, what they feel and what they like. The sign language research conducted here has opened a window into chimpanzees' lives and mentality.

We have found that chimpanzees are capable of acquiring a language; passing that language on to the next generation; and using it when talking to each other, to themselves, and to humans.

> What is Next of Kin
   :: The science curriculum
   :: Ordering info
   :: Order Next of Kin curriculum
   :: The book
   :: Order Next of Kin, the book

> Meet the Experts
   :: About the Foutses | honors
   :: About Rachel Fouts-Carrico

> Why do they use ASL?

> Chimpanzees & Humans
   :: Same or Different?

> Sample Lesson Plan
   :: Chimp or Human?

> Teacher Comments

> Educating the Next Generation

> Next of Kin Kick-Off