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Nim Chimpsky: The Chimpanzee Who Would Be Human

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A Black And White Photograph Of Nim Chimpsky, A Chimpanzee, Signing The Word Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human

Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human

by Elizabeth Hess

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	384 pages

The Extraordinary Story of a Chimpanzee Who Learned to Communicate

Nim Chimpsky was a chimpanzee who was born in Oklahoma in 1973. He was taken from his mother at a young age and raised by a human family in New York City. Nim was taught sign language by a team of researchers, and he quickly became proficient in the language. He was able to communicate his thoughts and feelings, and he even learned to use symbols to represent abstract concepts.

Nim's story is a fascinating one that has been told in books, documentaries, and even a feature film. His case has raised important questions about the nature of language and communication, and it has helped to shed light on the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees.

Nim's Early Life

Nim was born in a research laboratory in Oklahoma in 1973. His mother was a chimpanzee named Lucy, and his father was a chimpanzee named Pan. Nim was taken from his mother at a young age and brought to New York City to live with a human family.

Nim's adoptive parents were Herbert Terrace, a psychologist, and his wife, Jane. The Terraces raised Nim like a human child. They taught him sign language, and they encouraged him to interact with other humans. Nim quickly became a part of the Terrace family, and he developed a close bond with Herbert Terrace.

Nim's Language Skills

Nim was a very intelligent chimpanzee. He learned sign language quickly, and he was soon able to communicate his thoughts and feelings. He could sign about his experiences, his likes and dislikes, and his hopes and dreams.

Nim's language skills were not limited to simple communication. He was also able to use symbols to represent abstract concepts. For example, he could sign the symbol for "love" to express his affection for someone, and he could sign the symbol for "sad" to express his sadness over a loss.

Nim's language skills were a major breakthrough in the study of animal communication. They showed that chimpanzees are capable of learning and using language, and they raised important questions about the nature of language and communication.

Nim's Legacy

Nim Chimpsky died in 2000 at the age of 27. His death was a great loss to the scientific community, and it brought renewed attention to his story.

Nim's legacy is a complex one. He was a pioneer in the study of animal communication, and he helped to shed light on the cognitive abilities of chimpanzees. However, his story is also a reminder of the ethical issues involved in using animals in research.

* [The Chimpanzee Who Would Be Human](https://www.Our Book Library.com/Chimpanzee-Who-Would-Human-Language/dp/046503722X) by Elizabeth Hess * [Project Nim](https://www.projectnim.org/) * [Nim Chimpsky: The Life and Legacy of a Chimpanzee Who Learned Sign Language](https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2011/06/07/137045610/nim-chimpsky-the-life-and-legacy-of-a-chimpanzee-who-learned-sign-language)

Nim Chimpsky: The Chimp Who Would Be Human

by Elizabeth Hess

4.1 out of 5