What did La Mettrie theorize could be taught some form of language?

La Mettrie theorized that apes could be taught some form of language due to their cognitive abilities and close evolutionary relationship to humans. In his work, he emphasized the importance of anatomical similarities between humans and apes, which he believed indicated comparable mental capabilities. He argued that the manner in which apes could mimic human behaviors suggested they had the potential to learn a language system, harnessing their capacity for association and communication. This perspective was significant in that it challenged the prevailing notions of human uniqueness and raised questions about the nature of intelligence and language across species. La Mettrie's ideas contributed to discussions about mental faculties and the definitions of language, particularly regarding non-human animals, making them an important point in the history of psychological thought.