American popularizer of science describes one of the most interesting experiments in modern ethology and linguistics - overcoming the eternal barrier in human communication with animals. Along with the striking facts of teaching chimpanzees the sign-conceptual language of the deaf-mute, the author sets out the views of major linguists on the nature of the language and the history of its development. The book is designed for a wide range of readers, but it will be especially interesting for specialists dealing with communication and language problems.