Monkey Business

For years scientist and environmental researchers have known that certain species of animals have the ability to communicate through verbal noises. In Andrew Moseman's Discover Magazine article he explains how one thing that separates animal language and human language is syntax. Moseman describes syntax as the stringing together of sounds or noises to create meaning in the order in which they come. Recently though, some researchers are suggesting that certain species of monkeys are showing the ability of syntax and higher forms of verbal communication. Researcher Klaus Zuberbuhler and his team observed monkeys of Tai National Park using repetitive language and sounds to warn for potential dangers and also to call to gather into groups. According to their findings the verbal cue for danger followed by some low "oo" sounds warned of a falling branch, whereas the verbal cue just for danger warned of approaching predators. Although many researchers are accepting these findings as proof of syntax, they say that primates are certainly not developing language like that of humans.



Research such as this is important to science today because it could provide helpful information to how animals are evolving or changing overtime. The more scientist know about this, the better we can understand how things such as the environment and our surroundings can shape us. Also understanding how language develops is also helpful in understanding society and how groups of animals or even people interact with each other. This could lead to better conservation efforts as well as filling in holes to evolution.

I chose this article to blog about today solely because of the interesting topic. I believe that biological evolution of animals is very interesting although I don't necessarily believe all that scientist have to say about it. I have also been interested in how language develops, and studying it at its most basic levels can lead to a better understanding of it overall.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/?p=7219