Is this true? I was listening to a lecture of I think it was a linguist on apes using sign language, saying that the evidence for them actually understanding language is... not great. Like it appear they just sign until their carers gets the right/expected answer. That they may want to say 'apple', but not finding the word, they can't describe the shape, color, just random words util they hit the correct one, or something like that.
Science Memes
Welcome to c/science_memes @ Mander.xyz!
A place for majestic STEMLORD peacocking, as well as memes about the realities of working in a lab.

Rules
- Don't throw mud. Behave like an intellectual and remember the human.
- Keep it rooted (on topic).
- No spam.
- Infographics welcome, get schooled.
This is a science community. We use the Dawkins definition of meme.
Research Committee
Other Mander Communities
Science and Research
Biology and Life Sciences
- !abiogenesis@mander.xyz
- !animal-behavior@mander.xyz
- !anthropology@mander.xyz
- !arachnology@mander.xyz
- !balconygardening@slrpnk.net
- !biodiversity@mander.xyz
- !biology@mander.xyz
- !biophysics@mander.xyz
- !botany@mander.xyz
- !ecology@mander.xyz
- !entomology@mander.xyz
- !fermentation@mander.xyz
- !herpetology@mander.xyz
- !houseplants@mander.xyz
- !medicine@mander.xyz
- !microscopy@mander.xyz
- !mycology@mander.xyz
- !nudibranchs@mander.xyz
- !nutrition@mander.xyz
- !palaeoecology@mander.xyz
- !palaeontology@mander.xyz
- !photosynthesis@mander.xyz
- !plantid@mander.xyz
- !plants@mander.xyz
- !reptiles and amphibians@mander.xyz
Physical Sciences
- !astronomy@mander.xyz
- !chemistry@mander.xyz
- !earthscience@mander.xyz
- !geography@mander.xyz
- !geospatial@mander.xyz
- !nuclear@mander.xyz
- !physics@mander.xyz
- !quantum-computing@mander.xyz
- !spectroscopy@mander.xyz
Humanities and Social Sciences
Practical and Applied Sciences
- !exercise-and sports-science@mander.xyz
- !gardening@mander.xyz
- !self sufficiency@mander.xyz
- !soilscience@slrpnk.net
- !terrariums@mander.xyz
- !timelapse@mander.xyz
Memes
Miscellaneous
Afaik yes, although I remember reading that (I think) Koko sort of asked something (I think it was "what color" or something like that). But at the same time I remember reading about similar criticism you mentioned, that Koko's signs were often quite random and the caretakers often tried to make fun of the situation that "she's just joking".
I should find that article ...
Edit: I don't know if it was exactly this artice but it was similar
https://bigthink.com/life/ape-sign-language/
Edit 2: or this
Yes, that is the one! Koko and "just joking" I recognize from that lecture.
Longest non-human primate sentence on record:
Give Orange Me Give Eat Orange Me Eat Orange Give Me Eat Orange Give Me You
Hello fellow American. This you should vote me. I leave power. Good. Thank you, thank you. If you vote me, I'm hot. What? Taxes, they'll be lower, son. The Democratic vote for me is right thing to do Philadelphia, so do.

That is pretty impressive. Where is it from?
I'm pretty sure that was Bukowski
Not asshole enough for him
NO, baaaaad ape. Me better you no good. I win you lose whyareyoulikethis. No. bad ape. Existence is suffering.
Like that?
Pelcan mouth is good place for baby Put baby Pelican mouth now
Everything is so sad today
Onion News Network - Scientists Successfully Teach Gorilla It Will Die Someday
Never once? Not even "what's for dinner"?
To be, or not to be?
well, kinda yeah. Just jumbled and weird:
Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you.
is the longest recorded sentence