Context, not sequence order, affects the meaning of bonobo ( Pan paniscus ) gestures
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12824460 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kirsty E Graham (0000-0002-7422-7676, University of St Andrews, corresponding author), Takeshi Furuichi (0000-0002-8426-3769, Kyoto University), R W Byrne (0000-0001-9862-9373, University of St Andrews) |
| Year | 2020 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 2-3 |
| Pages | 335-364 |
| Publication date | 2020-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Gesture (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1568-1475 • E-ISSN: 1569-9773 |
| Publisher | John Benjamins Publishing Company (PUBLISHER • NL) |
| DOI | 10.1075/gest.19028.gra |
| OpenAlex | W3204742107 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 32 |
In most languages, individual words can be ambiguous between several different meanings, but through syntax and context the intended meaning of an ambiguous word usually becomes apparent. Many great ape gestures also have ambiguous meanings, which poses the problem of how individuals can interpret the signaller’s intended meaning in specific instances. We tested the effects of sequence compositionality and situational context (including behavioural and interpersonal contexts) in wild bonobos ( Pan paniscus ) at Wamba, DRCongo. We found no effect on a gesture’s meaning from its presence and position in sequence. However, two aspects of situational context did affect meaning: behaviour of the signaller immediately prior to gesturing, and relative age/sex of signaller and recipient. The intended meaning of ambiguous gestures was almost completely disambiguated by means of these aspects of context. Our findings suggest that the use of contextual information to interpret ambiguous signals predates the uniquely-human lineage and is not specific to language
Affect (linguistics · Biology · Bonobo · Cognitive psychology · Context (archaeology · Gesture · Interpersonal communication · Linguistics · Meaning (existential · Pan paniscus · Sequence (biology · Situational ethics · Sociology · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior · Communication · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Philosophy · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Psychology · Social Psychology
From Hand to Mouth
Making Sense of Semantic Ambiguity
The Evolution of Language
Gesture Use by Chimpanzees ( P an troglodytes )
Gestural communication in subadult bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Use of gesture sequences in chimpanzees
Female contributions to the peaceful nature of bonobo society
Context and Development of Sexual Behavior of Wild Bonobos (Pan paniscus) at Wamba, Zaire
| Citations per year | 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2024 - 2026 (3) |
| Highly cited | No |