Koko the gorilla

Koko learned to sign about 1000 words and understand about 2,000 words. If Koko can, so can you. You do not have to be a genuis to learn a language, however, learning on will improve your intellect. 
Koko used signs to convey thoughts. Although some ‘experts’ refute the level of understanding she had with regards to her use of language, it was clear she used language and communicated. It was not simply conditioning. Many linquists believe its the understanding of grammar that qualifies language usage. I think it is simply if they can convey thoughts, emotions and experiences. Dr. Patterson, who worked with Koko  documented Koko inventing new signs to communicate novel thoughts. For example, Dr. Patterson asserts that nobody taught Koko the word for “ring”, therefore to refer to it she combined the words “finger” and “bracelet”, hence “finger bracelet”. Koko could also remember her mother’s death at the hands of poachers but not express the event. There is even a generally recognized ape language among researches.
There have been other animals that have been shown to use language, such as  Nim Chimpsky. The following groups have animals have been shown to use language: Common Chimpanzees
Gorillas
Orangutans
Bonobos
Dolphins
Sea lions The bottom line is is sea lions can learn words and languages, so can you. Learn a language 

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Tags: animals, language-learning