2011-11-29

[DIV28SUPER] WINTER CONFERENCE on ANIMAL LEARNING & BEHAVIOR (WCALB) 2012

The Winter Conference on Animal Learning and Behavior will 
convene in Winter Park, Colorado from Saturday, January 28, through 
Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  
 
A limited number of accommodations remain available plus 
participants have until early January 2012 to submit 
presentations to be included in the Program.

 

2012 KEYNOTE ADDRESS



 

Project Nim.  The Untold Story

 

Herb Terrace

Columbia University

 

Abstract--In the mid-70’s, I directed a project at Columbia University to teach Nim, an infant chimpanzee, to use American Sign Language.  Project Nim, a documentary that opened on July 8, loosely describes the project.  It shows Nim interacting with his teachers after he arrived from his birthplace at the Primate Institute in Norman, Oklahoma when he was two weeks old.  Viewers would have to close their eyes not to appreciate Nim’s loveable personality and his endearing antics.  But, unfortunately, they would be hard pressed to see the science on which the project was based.

 

That’s because the documentary pointedly avoided that topic, -which is a shame because the project provided important scientific insights into what chimpanzees can tell us about humanity.  The project’s goal was to determine whether a non-human primate could learn to use grammatical rules to create particular meanings, the essence of language.  Positive evidence of Nim’s grammatical ability would undermine the claim of human uniqueness in the animal kingdom.  Negative evidence would raise the question, “Why can’t a chimpanzee learn a grammatical language?”  My talk today addresses that question and also outlines what there is about the evolution of humans that made them specifically equipped to learn language.

 

FOCUS SESSION

 

Theory of Mind:  Current Status of the Controversy Focus Session already has international representation and there is a slot still open for one with relevant research interests.  In addition, all participants are invited to make a presentation of their WCALB-related research in other sessions.  Graduate students are welcome, and can make presentations with the written recommendation of their advisor.  Posters are also accepted.

 

MEETING

 

The all inclusive cost for registration, four nights in a shared Snowblaze condominium, an opening buffet reception, and a dinner at a fine restaurant in Winter Park is only $360 per person or $720 per couple (couples have their own room, usually with private bath, in a condo).  The Snowblaze is located in Winter Park near restaurants and shops.  It has an excellent health club with sauna, steam room, hot tub, pool, weight room and handball courts.  All units have complete kitchens.

 

There is downhill skiing for all skill levels, up to black diamond, as well as exciting cross-country skiing in the Arapaho National Forest, Devil's Thumb and Snow Mountain Ranch.  The majestic snow-covered Rockies in winter are breathtaking.

 

Contact me (sweiss@american.edu) if you need more information.  Accommodations at the indicated modest rates cannot be guaranteed once reserved units are filled.  We will do our best to include late registrants in the Conference, but often they have had to pay substantially more for their accommodations.  Therefore, if you are interested in attending the Conference let me know as soon as possible.  More information on the Conference and registration can be found on our website, http://www.american.edu/academic.depts/cas/psych/wcalb.htm.

 

Hope to see you in Winter Park!

 

Stan

 

Stanley J. Weiss
Convener, Winter Conference on Animal Learning & Behavior
Professor of Experimental Psychology
American University
Washington, D. C. 20016
 
Phone:  202-885-1724
Fax:  202-885-1023
e-mail:  sweiss@american.edu
 

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