Differences in degree only. They communicate through vocalizations nd body language. Writing is a rather recent human talent, many peoples did not have 'writing' as a method of communication as recently as a few hundred years ago. However other communication techniques can and do substitute for writing. Singing I'm not sure of, but I assume that Chimps use vocalization to calm younger chimps since they cradle and rock them as we do.
Building things and driving cars are recent accomplishments, not long ago we didn't do either. We have digs that show limited tool use in early humans, but we've also observed tool use in Gorillas.
If you observed a human child using a stick to check the depths of a stream being crossed what would you think of his/her intelligence?
"If you observed a human child using a stick to check the depths of a stream being crossed what would you think of his/her intelligence?"
I would wonder why his/her parents weren't watching him/her near the water.
And writing goes back much farther than a few hundred years.
Look, if you want to be an ape, that's fine. I prefer to be a human.