Scientists have long believed that most people learn to read by linking spoken sounds to letters. But a recent experiment at a French university further supports the idea that it is possible to recognize written language without any sense of its sound. On a computer screen, baboons were shown actual words alongside fake words made from random letters; upon correctly identifying the real word, the baboons received a reward. Before long, the primates were distinguishing the real words from the fakes with startling accuracy. The baboons were not reading, of course. But they recognized letter combinations like th that appear frequently across various words. Researchers have theorized that reading may be more visual than previously thought. Do It! The experiment suggests that reading and speaking may be _________. Press enter to interact with the item, and press tab button or down arrow until reaching the Submit button once the item is selected A disassociated B unified C contingent D transient