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Language Emerges from Trust and Social Needs
Chimpanzees and bonobos demonstrate sophisticated social communication, yet they lack the developed drive for language seen in humans. Language requires significant investment of time and effort to learn, presenting a 'startup cost' that may not be beneficial for all species. Its utility is closely tied to social contexts where trust exists; without a foundation of prosocial behavior, the complex nuances of language become less applicable. Ultimately, understanding language's emergence necessitates comprehension of the underlying social dynamics that foster cooperation and the establishment of trust within communities.