leaf-clipping: chimp gestures and a point about linguistics

[Kì'eyawn]

So, chimpanzees engage in this behavior called leaf-clipping, in which they take bites off of leaves in such a way as to make a loud popping noise.

But what's really interesting to me is that, while this behavior has been seen in separate chimp groups, its meaning can vary widely.  For example, in one group of chimps, males might use leaf-clipping to try to entice females; but in another, the exact same behavior is used as a challenge.

Something about the arbitrary relationship between the sounds of words and their meaning comes to mind...

[Kì’onga Vul]

Interesting, considering that a male human practicing the popping sounds of ejectives in public is unlikely to attract females.

But yes, I think that definitely relates to the arbitrariness of word-sounds.  I feel that, if certain meanings naturally led to certain sounds, languages might become very similar to one another.  But then again, cultural considerations would be important, so maybe to someone from Asia, a good word for pride is filled with confident stops, while in Europe or something it is broader and more glorious-sounding.

I find it surprising even that there are the universal symbols we have (grunts, gasps, laughs, smiles, etc.).  It wouldn't surprise me if there was a place where laughter signified horror (though there are biological considerations here, too).

[Kì'eyawn]

...I find it surprising even that there are the universal symbols we have (grunts, gasps, laughs, smiles, etc.).  It wouldn't surprise me if there was a place where laughter signified horror (though there are biological considerations here, too).

Well, there are variants on laughter, at least.  There's genuine laughter, polite laughter, nervous laughter; people sometimes use an unenthusiastic, sarcastic laugh as a social threat ("Ha ha ha, you amuse me with your puny attempts to threaten me...")

Also, we know that smiles are not universally friendly across species.  When most animals bare their teeth it's a gesture of hostility.  I'll have to ask my roommate (she's an anthropologist, and the one who introduced me to this leaf-clipping behavior), but my understanding is that chimps often use smiling and laughing during play-fighting to signal to the other chimps that their intentions aren't hostile.  Dogs use a "play bow" in a similar way.