Syntax is a human convention not found in the Symbolic Communication of the Apes.
Syntax: For those of us who have suffered through a Grammar class or worse yet a course in Linguistics, its hard to imagine anything being exciting about syntax.
And yet there are four rather interesting things about it that arouse my curiosity.
First of all, syntax is peculiarly human. We used to say that symbolic behavior was exclusively human.
Now it appears that some Gorillas and Chimpanzees have learned symbols and have used them to communicate. Indeed Koko, the gorilla, has a vocabulary of 2000 words!
True, it takes some vigorous training on the part of the care-takers to a develop this skill in primates.
This is in stark contrast to human children for whom it would take vigorous steps just to suppress any kind of symbolic communication.
NOTES: Here is some information on Koko.
NOTES: Here is something to think about.
NOTES: Here is Koko for Kids and professors
NOTES: Here is sign of the time--koko time, that is--try it you'll like it.
NOTES: Information on the United Apes of America.
NOTES: Talk about Chimps
NOTES: Apes in Higher Education
NOTES: Here is more on Apes and Language.