Gorillas & ChimpanzeesGarner, R. L. (Richard Lynch)
Science
Gorillas & Chimpanzees
Garner, R. L. (Richard Lynch)
Chimpanzees; Gabon -- Description and travel; Garner, R. L. (Richard Lynch), 1848-1920 -- Travel; Gorilla
When the symbol is written with a numeral exponent, it indicates
the degree of loudness. If there is no figure, the sound is such as
would be made by the human voice in ordinary speech. The letter "X"
will indicate a repetition of the sound, and the numeral placed after
it will show the number of times repeated, instead of the degree of
loudness. For example, we will write the sound (.), which is equivalent
to long "U," made in a normal tone, the same symbol written thus (.)2
indicates the sound, made with greater energy, and about twice as loud.
To write it thus, (.)X2, indicates that the sound was repeated, and so
on.
One peculiar sound made by these animals, which is described in
connection with the gorilla, appears to be the result of inhalation,
but I know of no other animal that makes a sound in this manner.
As an example of the use of this method, we will write the French
word "feu," which Moses mastered, thus, '('), which is equivalent to
"vû" with the "U" sounded short, the other word "wie," in German,
thus,)('), which is pronounced almost like "wû," giving "u" the short
sound again.
I shall not lead the reader through the long and painful task by giving
the entire system as far as I have gone, but what has been given will
convey an idea of a system, by means of which it will be possible to
represent the sounds of all animals, so that the student of phonetics
will recognise at once the character of the sound, even if he cannot
reproduce it by natural means.
It would be tedious and of no avail to the casual reader to reduce
to writing here the sounds made by the chimpanzee; but it may be of
interest to mention and describe the character and use of some of them.
Perhaps the most frequent sound made by all animals, appears to be
that referring to food, and therefore it may claim the first place in
our attention. This word in the language of the chimpanzee begins with
the short sound of the vowel "u" which blends into a strong breathing
sound of "h," the lips are compressed at the sides, and the aperture of
the mouth is nearly round. It is not difficult to imitate, and the ape
readily understands it even when poorly made.
Another sound of frequent use among them is that used for calling. The
vowel element is nearly the same, though slightly sharpened, and merges
into a distinct vanishing "w." The food sound is often repeated two or
three times in succession, but the call is rarely ever repeated, except
at long intervals.
One sound is particularly soft and musical, the vowel element is that
of long "u" as in the German. This blends into a "w," followed by the
slightest suggestion of the short sound of "a." It appears to express
affection or love. This sound is also the first of the series of sounds
attributed to the gorilla.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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