The polyglot influencer shared a YouTube video showing him using bonobo language to communicate with a monkey.
The polyglot influencer Arieh Smith shared a YouTube video in which he uses bonobo language to communicate with a monkey.
Smith, a language expert, spent time observing and studying the bonobo language. According to researchers, bonobos share nearly 99% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives.
Although scientists have long worked to teach bonobos human language, having a person communicate with them using typical vocalizations and gestures is unprecedented and impressive.
The experiment was conducted by Smith with help from the Ape Initiative, a monkey sanctuary and scientific research center in Iowa, USA. Before diving into the experiment, he spent time learning about bonobos from the organization’s experts.
In the video shared on his YouTube channel, Smith shows his interaction with Kanzi, a bonobo living at the Ape Initiative who has already learned to use more than 300 Lexigram symbols to communicate.
According to the organization’s website, Kanzi is “the first great ape to demonstrate understanding of spoken English.”
To build rapport and initiate a “conversation,” Smith pats the ground with his hands and shakes his head. He tries to imitate the monkeys’ expressions, who appear shocked to hear the sounds he reproduces.
The footage captivated the internet, and Smith’s post went viral, with over 10 million views and countless comments praising the encounter.
“Smart enough to figure out how to talk to a bonobo and humble enough to interact on their level without shame. I respect that,” one user wrote.
“This is so cool! I love that you took this so seriously. It’s clear you did a lot of research to learn how to connect with the bonobos,” said another.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
