Gardner, R.A. & Gardner, B.T. (1969).
Teaching sign language to a chimpanzee. Science, 165, 664-72
This is one of the earliest studies to attempt to teach a chimpanzee to use sign language. Earlier attempts to teach chimps to use spoken language had failed because they do not have the necessary vocal apparatus to speak.
Distinguish between the terms LANGUAGE and COMMUNICATION.
There has been a long running debate over the issue of animals and language. Lenneberg for example argues that “there is no evidence that any non-human form has the capacity to acquire even the most primitive stages of language development.” When he wrote this (in 1967) the Gardners had already started their research with Washoe. We will come back to this statement at the end of the study.
What is ASL and why did the Gardners choose this to teach Washoe?
How did the Gardners encourage Washoe to use sign language? (Try to use some or all of the following terms in your description: operant techniques, shaping, imitation).
Explain how the researchers recorded Washoe’s signs.
In some studies with Washoe, the researchers used deaf adults to record the signs. What advantages would this have?
After 22 months, how many signs did Washoe have? Give some examples of the signs she used.
Look at Aitchison’s (1983) criteria for language:
Identify TWO criteria which were satisfied by Washoe’s signing and give evidence for these.
Identify TWO criteria which were NOT satisfied by Washoe’s signing.
How does Washoe’s language development compare to that of a child?
Outline the conclusions that can be drawn from this study. Do you agree or disagree with the statement made by Lenneberg at the start of this article?