A whole slew of research in the past thirty years has shown that primates can learn sign language and communicate with humans. Here are some basic links for your surfing pleasure - I used them as a source for inspiration as I created Jerry. The following links are maintained by external sources. Here is the Official Washoe website: http://www.animalnews.com/fouts/ Washoe is the most famous primate around - she has a several hundred word vocabulary! Here is a general info-site: http://www.pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/psych26/language.htm An AP article on the subject: http://www.athensnewspapers.com/1997/112897/1128.a2orangutan.html And finally, a list of current research projects involving primate enculturation: http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/research.html Enjoy!