Watch Koko the Gorilla Use Sign Language in This 1981 Film | National Geographic

Summary

Since 1972, psychologist Penny Patterson has been teaching American Sign Language to lowland gorilla Koko in California. Koko reportedly knows over 450 signs and understands spoken words, challenging traditional views on animal language. Critics argue it's mimicry, but Patterson notes Koko's self-signing and communication with another gorilla, Michael, suggesting more complex cognitive abilities. The study aims to enhance conservation efforts by revealing the intelligence and sensitivity of gorillas.

Takeaways

• 🦍 Since 1972, psychologist Penny Patterson has been teaching American Sign Language to a lowland gorilla named Koko.
• 🔤 Koko reportedly has a vocabulary of about 450 signs and understands hundreds of spoken words.
• 🏡 Koko's mobile home is located near Patterson's house in San Francisco, California, where daily interactions are part of the research.
• 👶 Another gorilla, Michael, is also being trained with the hope that he and Koko will interact and learn from each other.
• 🍵 Daily activities, such as breakfast, are opportunities for teaching Koko new signs and concepts.
• 🔍 Patterson uses readiness tests, similar to those used for human children, to assess Koko's understanding of concepts.
• 🤔 Critics argue that the gorillas' use of signs is not true language but mimicry or conditioned responses.
• 🌟 Patterson counters by highlighting Koko's ability to sign to herself, suggesting more complex cognitive processes.
• 👥 There have been instances of Koko and Michael signing to each other, which Patterson hopes will lead to intergenerational communication.
• 🌿 The research aims to increase understanding of gorilla intelligence and sensitivity, potentially aiding conservation efforts.
• 📚 The script raises philosophical questions about the definition of language and its uniqueness to humans.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the experiment near San Francisco, California?

The experiment involves teaching American Sign Language (ASL) to a lowland gorilla named Koko by research psychologist Penny Patterson.

How long has the experiment with Koko been ongoing?

The experiment has been underway since 1972.

What is the claimed vocabulary of Koko in terms of ASL signs?

Dr. Patterson claims that Koko has a working vocabulary of about 450 signs.

Does Koko understand spoken words in addition to sign language?

Yes, because Patterson also talks while signing, Koko understands hundreds of spoken words as well.

What is the purpose of the mobile home near Patterson's house?

The mobile home serves as Koko's living space, where she interacts with trainers and participates in the language learning experiment.

How does the training process integrate into Koko's daily routine, such as during breakfast?

During breakfast, trainers use everyday activities to teach Koko new signs and concepts, making the learning process a part of her daily life.

What is the significance of the interaction between Koko and a young boy named Michael?

The interaction is part of an effort to see if Koko can communicate with other individuals, including humans, and potentially pass on her learned abilities.

What do critics argue about the language abilities of Koko and similar subjects?

Critics argue that the animals are not creating true language but are merely mimicking or responding to inadvertent cues.

How does Penny Patterson respond to the criticism regarding Koko's language abilities?

Patterson points out that Koko often signs to herself, indicating that more complex cognitive processes are involved beyond mere mimicry.

What is the potential long-term impact of the experiment on gorilla conservation efforts?

Understanding the intelligence and sensitivity of gorillas may help convey the importance of conserving the species, possibly enhancing conservation efforts.

What broader debate does the experiment with Koko contribute to?

The experiment contributes to the ongoing debate among linguists and philosophers about the definition of language and whether it is uniquely human.