Shengtang Li
In primate language studies, the question of whether primates can aquire language is often debated. In this article, I argue that based on the components of language derived from the definitions of language, primates do not possess human language. Different components such as spontaneity, intentionality, flexibility, and displacement listed in the definition language are applied to specific primate language studies to determine whether primates possess language. After the research, primates are seen to demonstrate the ability to possess one or two components of language, but not all components. Therefore primates cannot be determined to have language. The debate of whether primates possess language is important to human language research as primates are the closest genetic relatives to humans. Understanding primate language may give insight into the evolution of human language. The conclusions that derive from this article can be used for future research as each previous primate language study committed some form of error in demonstrating primate language. For example, the study of primate language should involve the primate communicating by themselves without prompting, using proper words correctly, and having structure in communication.