News Animals

Chimp chatter is a lot more like human language than previously thought

By combining different sounds, the apes unlock sophisticated communication abilities

A photo of a wild female chimpanzee

A female wild chimpanzee (shown) uses vocal communication. The apes combine single sounds to create phrases with new meanings, much like in human language, a new study finds.

Liran Samuni/ Taï Chimpanzee Project

By Jake Buehler

Grunts, barks, screams and pants ring through Taï National Park in Cȏte d’Ivoire.