What do I have so far?

I have decided to update my approach and impressions on this issue. Despite discrepancies about the definition of language, the research I have surveyed has shown that linguistic anthropologists look at the broader issue by determining whether chimpanzees are capable of symbolism and syntax. Psychologists attempt to determine whether the language displayed by chimpanzees is cognitive or an association. They base their standards on the linguistic capabilities of children. Since psychologists and linguistic anthropologists both seem to agree that there has to be some sense of understanding, I have decided that I will focus on symbolism in chimpanzees in order to answer the broader question: Are chimpanzees capable of human language?

Proof of symbolism in chimpanzees has come in many forms. The following is a list of evidence I have so far:

1. Spontaneous displays of sign language among chimpanzees

2. Anectodes such as that of Washoe and her baby

3. Sensitivity to word order- Ex: understanding the difference between “put the raisins in the shoe” and “put the shoe in the raisins”

4. Generalization- Ex: referring to several drinks as “juice” not just the drink they were taught to call “juice.

5. In those chimpanzees exhibiting signs of symbolic language, training did not involve reinforcement.

I have also found several counter-arguments and problems with this evidence. Some scholars suggest that the following are problems with the aforementioned evidence for symbolism in chimpanzees:

1. Clever Hans effect- Chimpanzees may be subject to cuing by their

trainers

2. Evidence of associations in chimpanzees. Also, what constitutes a reinforcer? Can the smile on a trainer’s face be reinforcing?

3. Methodology

a) American Sign Language- uncontrolled and anectodal

b) Lexigrams- lacks the freedom of “real” language

4. Differences in training do not allow for generalizations. If every chimpanzee is trained differently how can we accurately conclude what chimpanzees are really capable of? In addition, in chimpanzees taught American Sign Language, are the trainers fully fluent?

5. Little or no Receptive Capacity- Chimpanzees mostly make requests; they aren’t that good at listening.

6. May some of this symbolic language be random?

So, what can I conclude so far? I think that there is a need for technology that shows us the minds of chimpanzees. Without this technology it is difficult to determine whether the words chimpanzees use represent symbols. Until then though, I think it is important to develop a clearer methodology. As of now, research is scattered and data varies because a single method does not exist for studying language in chimpanzees. Another important point to make in my analysis is that if we set the standards for chimpanzees based on the language seen in children then we should look at the counter-evidence in this same way. Aside from the problems with methodology, children exhibit a lot of the “problems” with language in chimpanzees.