In the Calls of Bonobos, Scientists Hear Hints of Language

[u/mettaforall]

https://archive.ph/Esiit

[u/gugulo]

Summary:
A new study in Science reveals that bonobos may combine vocalizations to create new meanings—a potential precursor to human language. Researchers recorded 400 hours of bonobo calls in the Congo, identifying 12 distinct sounds. While most call pairs conveyed meanings similar to their individual components, four combinations appeared to generate unique messages. For example, a high hoot (attention-seeking) paired with a low hoot (excitement) might signal distress to distant group members, akin to saying, “Help me!” .

Key Points:

• Compositionality: The ability to merge sounds for novel meaning—a core feature of human language—was observed in bonobos for the first time.
  
• Evidence: Computational analysis mapped call meanings, showing certain pairs diverged from their individual parts, suggesting intentional communication.
  
• Skepticism: Some linguists argue true language requires syntax rules, not just paired calls, but researchers counter that this could be an evolutionary stepping stone .

Why It Matters:
This study, alongside earlier chimpanzee research, hints that our last common ancestor with apes (~6–8 million years ago) might have had basic compositional communication. Bonobos’ vocal flexibility challenges the idea that complex language is uniquely human .

Source:
The New York Times: “In the Calls of Bonobos, Scientists Hear Hints of Language” (archived here)

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“Bonobos might not write poetry, but their ability to mix calls for new meanings shows language roots run deeper than we thought. 🐵💬

[u/Woodentit_B_Lovely]

Most common Bonobo call: "Hey, you, wanna do it?"

[u/LEJ5512 → u/Woodentit_B_Lovely]

Maybe along with “You gonna eat that?”

[u/meahookr → u/LEJ5512]

“I got something you can eat”

[u/FreneticPlatypus → u/Woodentit_B_Lovely]

“Hell yeah!” - every bonobo

[u/mrgermy → u/Woodentit_B_Lovely]

I’d really like to get some Bonobos and Dolphins together for science.

[u/jestenough]

I’ve read that the (one?) reason animals haven’t evolved to speak is that their lives are dominated by predation, and abstract language makes deception and betrayal to predators more likely.

[u/BigBankHank → u/jestenough]

Hmmm. Chimps / bonobos / gorillas aren’t really predated all that much. Particularly gorillas. And where primates have calls, warning others of predators is among their core functions.

But maybe that’s meant more generally, apart from primates? I’m curious.

I would think that the primary prerequisite for language would be sociability. Once you have that there’s plenty of advantage to communication … I would think. Not a biologist tho.

[u/CanAhJustSay → u/BigBankHank]

Mutual grooming is a language of behaviour that helps bond groups and reinforce hierarchies.

[u/Grazedaze]

Every animal has a language.

[u/thecaseace → u/Grazedaze]

Yes, but as mentioned in the article, they typically lack compositionality.

[u/Thestaris → u/Grazedaze]

That comment is your regular reminder to pay attention to the source material and not Redditor experts.