A number of psychologists have attempted to teach language to nonhuman primates. In most instances, the primates learned many signs or word symbols; they could not, however, communicate about abstract or hypothetical concepts. With respect to the elements of language reviewed in the textbook, the primates mastered _____, but not _____.
A)morphemes; displacement
B)morphemes; phonemes
C)displacement; morphemes
D)displacement; phonemes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primates in the study were able to learn word symbols or morphemes, but were not able to communicate about abstract or hypothetical concepts, which would require displacement. Phonemes, which are the smallest units of sound in a language, were not mentioned in relation to the primates' abilities.

A Number of Psychologists Have Attempted to Teach Language to Nonhuman