Maël Leroux will be giving a talk titled Call combinations in chimpanzees?

Abstract:

A key feature of language argued to distinguish it from other animal communication systems is its syntactic structure: meaning-bearing units (e.g. words) are combined into larger structures (e.g. phrases) (Hurford, 2011). By searching for core features of language in the communication systems of our closest-living relatives, particularly the apes, it is possible to elucidate whether these are de novo-evolved traits in humans or whether they have their origins rooted in the primate lineage. Recently, a growing body of observational data validated by experimental procedures highlighted the presence of syntactic-like structures within the vocal communication system of monkeys. However, while observational studies describe call combinations in great apes, playback experiments confirming the syntactic-like nature of these combinations, central to reconstruct the phylogenetic progression of syntax, are currently lacking. Using a two level experimental procedure, we are currently investigating a promising candidate for syntactic-like structure in chimpanzees. First, predator presentations suggest chimpanzees combine calls (alarm-hoos + waa-barks) when encountering snakes, specifically when other individuals are present, potentially to recruit group members in a dangerous situation. Second, ongoing playback experiments aim to further investigate the meaning and function of this call combination and test whether chimpanzees process it as a syntactic-like structure. Preliminary analyses of playback responses suggest the alarm-hoo-waa-bark combination is meaningful to receivers with its meaning being derived from the meaning of the comprising calls. Ultimately, this work will help clarify whether one of the core building-blocks of language, syntax, also exists in the communication systems of our closest relative and therefore is evolutionarily more ancient.

Organised by: Marta Wesierska

Email for teams link: marta.wesierska@warwick.ac.uk