This book compares the beginning of symbolic thought in human
infancy with that of our close primate relatives, the chimpanzees.
The author investigates the precursors of symbolism by studying the
actions and interactions of a small group of these intelligent,
non-human primates who live in Singapore Zoo.
Drawing upon his years of detailed observations, Matthews offers
an in-depth analysis and interpretation of chimp behaviour to
present an unprecedented account of the beginnings of symbolic
thought. The book shows that the actions the chimpanzees perform
have structural and semantic similarities with the actions of
emergent expression and representation we find in human infancy. Of
great importance is the finding that chimpanzee mark-making
activity is not an artefact of human interference, but part of
chimpanzee culture. Young chimpanzees seem to be introduced to acts
of pretence and imagination by older and more experienced ones and
taught the rudiments of expression, representation and
symbolism.
The implications for our understanding of symbolism, language,
art and education are enormous, as are those about our origins and
our place within nature. The book is written in an accessible style
for both specialist and non-specialist readers, and illustrated
with the author s drawings and photographs.
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