Research shows that chimpanzees speak their own language, which is more complex than previously thought

CHIMPS speak their own language, which is more complex than previously thought, research shows.

They string sounds together into sentences.

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The monkeys can combine grunts, gasps, honks, barks, screams and whimpers.

Depending on the context and when and how they were used, sounds took on different meanings.

A single “Hoo” was used to counter threats, but multiple panting “Huos” were used in group communication.

The findings come from researchers analyzing records of about 5,000 chimpanzees in Taï National Park in Ivory Coast.

They found 390 patterns that formed sentences, but said there likely are other, possibly even more complex, patterns they have yet to map and unravel.

Researcher Tatiana Bortolato from the Max Planck Institute in Germany said: “It highlights a vocal communication system in chimpanzees that is much more complex and structured than previously thought.”

The team believes their work will shed light on how humans’ complex language evolved.