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Indicators

    Silent, visually received gestures can function as attention getters when in an initial position in a phrase, and point out subject or object of this attention:
chest pat, tap other.

    Audible gestures function as attention getters but may also point out specific locations in the environment (such as location on a tree, rock, or wall):
knock, slap.
 

Watch these video clips, can you find an example of gorilla pointing in each?
Video examples: Phrase and Exchange example 3, example 4, and example 5

Location-indicating gestures function as pointing:

Criteria for “pointing” that are met by gorillas:

• arm extension

• gaze alternation between object and other gorilla

• attention getting behaviors indicating that the point is intentional communication

Physical aspects of gorilla pointing:

• touching of object

• whole hand use; but gentle tap with knuckles may distinguish pointing from hitting or punching behavior

- Dr. Joanne Tanner

- Charles Ernest

Publications

SF Zoo Gorillas

Gorilla Gestures Intro