Discovering the Origins of Baby Talk

ZURICH, June 29 – If you've ever cooed at a baby in that sing-song, high-pitched voice, you're not alone—it's a universal instinct among humans. This charming way of speaking, known as ‘baby talk,’ is believed to play a crucial role in helping children learn language. But hold on! New research reveals that our closest relatives—the great apes—don’t share this distinct trait.

Groundbreaking Study Reveals Unique Communication Styles

Published in the journal *Science Advances*, a collaborative study involving experts from the University of Zurich, the University of Neuchâtel, and various international institutions highlights the stark contrast between human and ape communication. The team studied five species of great apes—humans, bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans—to explore how they interact with their young.

To their astonishment, researchers found that humans are the standout species in utilizing ‘baby talk.’ Franziska Wegdell, a postdoc at UZH and one of the lead authors, noted, 'We were surprised by how little of this type of communication we actually observed in our closest living relatives.' This revelation shines a light on what makes human interaction with infants so exceptional.

So How Do Great Ape Infants Learn Communication?

Despite the lack of direct ‘baby talk,’ these great ape infants still manage to learn communication through indirect means. Much like humans, who pick up new words by eavesdropping on conversations, young apes seem to be absorbing their communication skills from the social interactions happening around them. The researchers found that, except for orangutans, all great ape infants are similarly exposed to this 'infant-surrounding communication'.

More Than Just Vocalization

It’s important to note that this study focused on vocal communication, yet great apes also express themselves through gestures. Caroline Fryns, another co-author of the study, pointed out that these non-human apes often direct gestures at their infants, some of which even share similarities with human infant-directed gestures.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Language Evolution

Understanding how language evolved is essential, and by studying our closest living relatives, we can see that human ‘baby talk’ has developed uniquely over time. Other species like monkeys, bats, cats, and dolphins may communicate with their young, but this specific feature of baby talk could be a key factor in why humans are so adept at verbal communication. The findings not only distinguish humans from other species but also deepen our appreciation for the fascinating complexities of language.