Blog 3: No, Mr. Benson, it's not just mimicry.

Jon Cuccia
English 1101
Dr. Jennifer A. Hughes
04 September 2009


When I hear the word “mimicry” or “imitation” in regards to language, I think of arbitrary reproduction, without thought and “devoid of even the barest rudiments of language.” Although by no means on the same linguistic level as humans, I believe that in the few attempts to bestow language upon primates, they have shown an understanding that I would classify as beyond “the barest rudiments of language.”

Through Gua, researchers learned that primates do not poses a vocal tract sophisticated enough to reproduce human words, thus sign language was explored with remarkable results. The chimpanzee Washoe learned more than 100 words and could use them in sentence fragments, displaying similar cognitive ability to a toddler. This included holding simple question and answer conversation as well as understanding signs she never produced. The gorilla Koko showed similar progress, as demonstrated during the short clip showing her requesting her red sweater over the new yellow one.

Of course, the controversy lies within mimicry and imitation, which some have claimed is all the primates were doing. Herbert Terrace described the behavior as a conditioned response to cues provided by humans, often unintentional. He concluded that their linguistic displays were no more than mere “sophisticated tricks.” In response, the Gardners who raised Washoe showed that she could produce correct signs to identify pictures without the presence of any human, and even that a few chimpanzees used sign language amongst themselves with Washoe while no humans were present. Furthermore, a young bonobo named Kanzi grew up accustomed to sign language, and was able to not only sign over 250 words, but even understood spoken English on a basic level equal to that of a three year old child.

To me, the evidence is undeniable. While humans clearly still dominate linguistically, it is unfair to say that animals posses no linguistic capabilities. The primates have shown the ability, though rudimentary, to comprehend the basics human language. While not being worthy of comparison to any human above the age of diapers, these primates provide a level of language far above other animals. Therefore, it would be wrongful to shrug them as off as mere imitators, as though they posses no thought.