Professor Reid has evaluated the communicative behaviour in a troupe of captive chimpanzees. Professor Reid has determined that the communication cannot be classified as language. Which of the following reasons can Professor Reid give for this conclusion?
A) The chimpanzees cannot make an infinite number of utterances.
B) The chimpanzees cannot speak.
C) The chimpanzees have not been taught to communicate through training.
D) The chimpanzees do not express meaning directly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The inability to make an infinite number of utterances is a commonly cited characteristic that distinguishes language from other forms of communication. Therefore, if the chimpanzees' communication cannot achieve this level of productivity or creativity, it cannot be considered language. Choices B and C are not sufficient to make this determination because sign language and other forms of non-verbal communication can also function as language. Choice D is not specific enough to explain why the communication cannot be classified as language.

Professor Reid Has Evaluated the Communicative Behaviour in a Troupe