Ape Language
All primates have a unique way of communicating with each other, either by sound or gestures. However, human primates have an advanced mode of communication through both spoken language and sign language. Over recent years, there has been significant research into the ability of apes to utilize human sign language in communicating with each other and with humans. In this backdrop, Koko has a considerable capacity not only to learn, but also use human sign language.
In particular, Koko’s capability to communicate with human beings through sign language demonstrates its capacity to learn and utilize human sign language. For instance, the act of Koko to point at a sign of wet in a book while looking at Penny demonstrates its ability to learn (Kokoflix, 2009). Koko seems to understand that by pointing at the wet sign, Penny will try to explain the meaning of the sign. Similarly, Koko’s selection of a birthday card during the celebration of its 42nd birthday demonstrates its ability to use human sign language (Kokoflix, 2013). It is worth noting that Koko chose the birthday card following Penny’s request that it selects a birthday card that it finds as favorite. Moreover, Koko’s ability to learn and utilize the English language is further seen during its interaction with Robin Williams. In a playful mood, Koko shows Robin Williams that it wants to be tickled by tickling his body (Turner, 2012). Robin William responds by stimulating Koko’s body. In addition, Koko shows a sign of drinking water to ask for a drink from Robin Williams to which he responds by giving water to it (Turner, 2012). Besides, Koko demonstrates its ability to learn and utilize human sign language when it expresses a baby sign to Penny (Kokoflix, 2012). Besides, Koko’s expression of sadness by demonstrating rolling tears also shows its ability to use human sign language (Kokoflix, 2009). In this case, Koko was grieving the tragic death of the cat.
In conclusion, Koko’s capacity to communicate using signs confirms its ability to learn and utilize human sign language. However, Koko has various limitations in that it cannot use human sign language to communicate complex ideas. Koko only delivers a single idea at a time.