Watch Koko the Gorilla Use Sign Language in This 1981 Film | National Geographic
Résumé
TLDRSince 1972, research psychologist Penny Patterson has conducted a controversial experiment teaching lowland gorillas, like Koko, American Sign Language. Patterson claims Koko understands over 450 signs and numerous spoken words due to her signing while speaking. The project expands traditional language studies focused on chimpanzees to gorillas, with Koko living near Patterson. Breakfast time is structured for reinforcing learning with Koko and Michael, another young gorilla. Skeptics argue it's mere mimicry, but Patterson observes Koko signing independently, suggesting deeper cognitive abilities. The study aims to have Koko and Michael eventually communicate and pass skills to their offspring. It raises debate about what constitutes language, while highlighting gorilla intelligence. Understanding this may bolster conservation efforts by showing gorillas' similarities to humans.
A retenir
- 👩🔬 Penny Patterson is teaching sign language to gorillas.
- 🦍 Koko knows over 450 signs and understands spoken words.
- 📚 The project challenges traditional language research on ape communication.
- 👥 Debate exists over whether gorillas use true language or mimicry.
- 🐒 Koko sometimes signs independently, suggesting deeper thought.
- 🔄 The research hopes gorillas will communicate and pass skills to offspring.
- 🌳 Understanding gorilla intelligence could aid in conservation.
- 🌿 Highlighting similarities between humans and gorillas could enhance protection efforts.
Chronologie
- 00:00:00 - 00:07:35
Since 1972, research psychologist Penny Patterson has been conducting an experiment near San Francisco, California, teaching a lowland gorilla named Koko American Sign Language. Patterson asserts that Koko has acquired a vocabulary of around 450 signs, comprehending hundreds of spoken words due to simultaneous signing and speaking. This study expands previous language research from chimpanzees to gorillas, with daily activities, like breakfast, used as learning opportunities for Koko and another gorilla, Michael. The trainer interacts with Michael, aiming for future communication between the gorillas. While conducting reading readiness tests, Patterson observes Koko's concept understanding, noting the animal's mental capacities. Critics argue the apes' use of sign language might be mimicry, but Patterson counters, suggesting Koko signs independently, indicating complex thought processes. The experiment hopes for gorilla intercommunication, highlighting both cognitive abilities and the importance of conservation to human audiences, bolstering efforts to protect these intelligent species.
Carte mentale
Questions fréquemment posées
What is Penny Patterson's experiment about?
She is teaching lowland gorillas, like Koko, American Sign Language to study their language abilities.
How many signs does Koko the gorilla understand?
Koko reportedly understands about 450 signs.
What do critics say about teaching sign language to gorillas?
Critics claim gorillas are mimicking or responding to cues, not using true language.
How does Penny Patterson view the gorillas' communication?
She believes the gorillas show more complex thinking beyond mimicry, suggesting real language use.
What is the goal for teaching gorillas sign language?
One goal is for gorillas like Koko and Michael to communicate and potentially pass on language skills to offspring.
Why is understanding gorilla intelligence important?
It helps highlight the importance of conservation by showing their similarity to humans.
What is significant about Koko signing to herself?
It indicates that her use of sign language might be more than mimicry.
What is the potential outcome of this linguistic research with gorillas?
It may enhance conservation efforts by increasing awareness of gorilla intelligence.
Voir plus de résumés vidéo
- Penny Patterson
- Koko
- American Sign Language
- gorillas
- language
- communication
- criticism
- conservation
- intelligence