Atoms of Meaning: What Rules Govern Primate Communication

Prof. Zuberbühler (University of St. Andrews and University of Neuchâtel) has been researching ape communication for more than a quarter century. In the festival lecture, she will present evidence that syntax is involved in the communication of chimpanzees and other human apes, and that the order of sounds in vocalizations affects their meaning. He will also talk about whether monkeys understand cause-and-effect relationships and whether they can communicate them.