Treehouse people actually have a reason for being 'hands-on.' The big "high culture" of the area are insects, deaf as posts, and before the sign language was developed, a lot of communication was done through touch and pheromones. Then the reptiles started getting in on the business and Pidgin Sign was developed--though the reptiles will often communicate things through sound and a good handful learn to recognize certain basic Earthling noises--applause, shouting, that kind of thing.

I really ought to read more Octavia Butler.

--Rogan