Are humans the only creatures that can understand language? Can chimpanzees and Apes talk? I believe that humans are not the only primates capable of elementary language. I think that chimpanzees and Apes are capable of straightforward language and can express concrete ideas. I think that they have the language capability of a young child, only if they are worked with constantly. I do not believe that Chimpanzees and Apes are capable of abstract and complicated language or ideas. Apes and Chimpanzees can only succeed learning language if they are taught everyday and practice everyday, if the method of teaching is compatible with them, and if they are willing to learn the material. Without all of these elements, language would not be capable for any primate other than humans.
             Psychologists since the 1940's have been trying to teach chimpanzees how to learn sign language. Chimps do not have vocal ability to speak like humans can; therefore psychologists decided to teach chimps sign language. After much effort and years upon years of teaching and practicing with chimpanzees; psychologists saw an astounding accomplishment. Chimps did have the ability to learn and use simple signs to make rudimentary sentences. They were not able to create abstract ideas and extensive sentences, but the ability was still there. One first primates other than humans that was able to show a true ability to learn sign language was a gorilla named Koko. He was taught to communicate in American Sign Language, a binobo named Kanzi points to abstract written symbols (lexigrams) to tell his trainers when he wants a banana or to be tickled. (Boyd and Silk pg 502) Most primates have the capability to comminicate with humans. The psychologists such as E.S. Savage-Rumbaugh and her husband Duane argue that great ape bonobo species is biologically closest to Homo sapiens, and that great apes ability to use symbols are closely related to the ability of children. (Issue...