Sign Dialects in Chimpanzees
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC 201
Start Date
16-5-2013
End Date
16-5-2013
Abstract
Dialects encompass myriad elements of discourse, such as accents, rhythm, and intonation. These language features and more are noted in spoken and signed languages for humans (e.g., Purnell, Idsardi, and Baugh, 1999; Nespor and Sandler, 1999). Accents are commonly associated with sounds, but they also exist in visual languages, such as American Sign Language (ASL). Variations in signs enable us to see these differences from one individual to another. Children will talk and sign in childish forms that differ from adult pronunciations and handshapes. Pronunciations can alter the rhythm of speech in different dialects (e.g., Ghazali, Hamdi, and Barkat, 2002). Chimpanzees who were exposed to ASL provide an outlet to explore these elements in non-human communication. There are many examples of instances that chimpanzees modulate their signs in size, speed, and form.
Recommended Citation
Keenan, Susan Ann and Jensvold, Mary Lee, "Sign Dialects in Chimpanzees" (2013). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 56.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2013/oralpresentations/56
Additional Mentoring Department
Primate Behavior
Sign Dialects in Chimpanzees
SURC 201
Dialects encompass myriad elements of discourse, such as accents, rhythm, and intonation. These language features and more are noted in spoken and signed languages for humans (e.g., Purnell, Idsardi, and Baugh, 1999; Nespor and Sandler, 1999). Accents are commonly associated with sounds, but they also exist in visual languages, such as American Sign Language (ASL). Variations in signs enable us to see these differences from one individual to another. Children will talk and sign in childish forms that differ from adult pronunciations and handshapes. Pronunciations can alter the rhythm of speech in different dialects (e.g., Ghazali, Hamdi, and Barkat, 2002). Chimpanzees who were exposed to ASL provide an outlet to explore these elements in non-human communication. There are many examples of instances that chimpanzees modulate their signs in size, speed, and form.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Mary Lee Jensvold