Animals that speak human languages

Far-related animal groups can mimic human speech

Although there are plenty of animals that can communicate, true linguistic mastery in the animal kingdom is harder to pin down. Only three far-related mammal groups — humans, bats, and cetaceans — and three bird species — parrots, songbirds, and hummingbirds — have shown evidence of it.

Beluga whales can mimic human speech

Researchers at the National Marine Mammal Foundation in San Diego were taken aback in 1984 when they heard Noc, a beluga whale, produce a sound that resembled the word "hello". Since then, Noc has been recorded imitating a variety of human words and phrases, including "bye-bye", "thank you", and "I love you".

Talking animals: A fascinating phenomenon

Talking animals are a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the imagination of scientists and laypeople alike. These animals provide a unique window into the evolution of language and communication, and they challenge our traditional notions of what it means to be human.