ABSTRACT
The communicative signaling of the various species of nonhuman primates is a complex mix of phylogentically and ontogenetically ritualized signals used in many different social contexts. Although the term sometimes creates confusion, the people know of no better way to designate these strategically used signals than with the term intentional communication. In this introductory chapter, the authors provide a brief review of what is known about primate vocal and gestural communication, with particular focus on those aspects that involve individual decision making and cognition. They also set the stage for our six case studies of primate gestural communication-involving chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, siamangs, and Barbary macaques-by outlining the major theoretical and methodological issues involved. Current evidence suggests that nonhuman primates possess most flexibility in call comprehension, with some species even comprehending the calls of other species, which almost certainly requires learning.
