Summer Volunteer Internship Opportunity In Ape Language Study

[A. Katz]

Summer Internship with Project Bow

Hiring Organization:
Inverted-A, Inc.

Date Posted:
2009-01-13

Position Description:
Interns will work on language acquisition and literacy with Bow, a seven
year old chimpanzee. Bow communicates using standard orthography in two
languages: English and Hebrew. (Special consideration will be given to
applicants who are fluent in Hebrew, as well as English.)

The teaching method involves intensive floortime interactions to draw Bow
into as many circles of communication as possible. We use language in
context, not rote training. In order to learn, Bow has to be interested in
and enjoy the interactions with others.

Interns must respect Bow's considerable intellectual achievements and at
the same time be willing to demand even more of him. Interns must maintain
realistic expectations and avoid undue sentimentality.

The average workday in the internship will involve three hours playing
with Bow, three hours filming others playing with Bow or taking shorthand
notes on dialogues with Bow, and two hours editing video footage or
transcribing data into the computer.

Interns will be involved in contributing to progress reports in both
written and video formats.

Qualifications/Experience:
Native speaker of at least one of the test languages: English or Hebrew.
Candidates with fluency in more than one of the test languages are
especially encouraged to apply.

B.A. or B.S. in linguistics, cognitive science, psychology, anthropology
or a related field.

Application requires a letter of application, CV, three
letters of reference on academic matters, three letters of reference from
a landlord, roommate or neiighbor and a medical report.

The medical report must include tests for communicable diseases such as
TB, hepatitis (all forms) and HIV. It should also include a regular
physical and a medical history. Email us to receive the new medical report
form.

Interns must be assertive and willing to use their voice in order to
command Bow's respect. If you are not able to lower the pitch of your
voice or to increase the decibel level as necessary, you will not be able
to perform adequately. Some experience working with children with
behavioral problems would be a plus.

Salary/funding:
No stipend is available, but room and board will be provided.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals,
lodging):
Lodging and meals during the internship period will be provided.
There is no allowance for transportation.
The location is secluded. You will need a car.

Term of Appointment:
June 1, 2009 through August 31, 2009

Application Deadline:
May 1, 2009

Comments:
In order to be considered complete, an application must include :
(1) letter of application
(2) CV
(3) Medical report from physician
(a) Blood tests
(b)physical
(c) medical history
(4) 3 letters of academic reference and 3 letters of reference concerning
status as responsible tenant.
The medical report takes time. It is a good idea to start the process with
your doctor at least one month in advance of the application deadline. Ask
for our medical report form well in advance of the deadline.


Contact Information:
Aya Katz
Inverted-A, Inc.P.O. Box 267
Licking, MO 65542
USA

Telephone Number:
573-247-0055

Fax Number:
417-457-6652

Websites:

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Project-Bow-2007-DVD


http://hubpages.com/hub/So-you-want-to-work-with-Bow

E-mail Address:
amnfn at well.com