Recent research suggests that bonobos can combine calls in ways that produce phrases with meanings beyond the individual calls, challenging the notion that complex language is exclusive to humans. This study conducted by Dr. Melissa Berthet and her team analyzed 700 vocalizations from bonobos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The findings revealed that, unlike previously thought only to be possible for humans, bonobos can form phrases through their vocalizations that reflect both sum and modified meanings, highlighting their advanced communicative abilities and prompting a reevaluation of animal language systems.
Dr. Melissa Berthet stated, "Human language is not as unique as we thought... Bonobos can create vocal combinations that produce phrases with distinct meanings, similar to human language."
The researchers recorded 700 vocalisations from bonobos, finding unique combinations that reflected complex communication, thus suggesting animal vocalization systems are more intricate than previously believed.
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