Does your bird mimic/understand a language other than or in addition to English?

If so, share your story! I've recently become interested in birds that mimic other languages. Does your bird mimic more than one language, and if so, do they understand different phrases that have the same/similar meaning?

I've been watching a lot of videos of African Grays from Japanese and Chinese owners, and wondered if anyone else has birds that are raised in multiple language homes, and how they handle it. Do they have a preference for one over the other?

My greenwing says a few words in Spanish. His previous owners spoke Spanish. I only speak to him in English, though. He also knows some English words.

Well, if you've ever seen District 9, my BFA speaks that alien language lol. I swear

In all seriousness though, I honestly haven't spent a significant amount of time around a good mimic/speaker to see if they have a language preference. Kiwi only says a couple words (we don't encourage speech) and not one of my parents 3 birds has ever spoken. From my understanding though, unless the bird is subjected to intense, professional training (like Alex the African gray was), most "pet" parrots don't have that level of comprehension of any language. They will simply repeat words, phrases or sounds they hear, but not in context. I would imagine some languages have easier to pronounce words (for a parrot) than others, so they may pick up some languages better than others. I will say, if you've been around parrots long enough, you will pick up on the fact they seem to have their own primitive form of language/communication. I'm convinced they use their own noises to communicate emotions or response to certain situations. I can instantly tell a "fear" noise, a "greeting" noise, a "I'm being mischievous" noise ect.... I suppose one, with enough effort, could re-train their birds to use human speech in lieu of these noises to communicate, but it would likely be more effort/time than the average bird owner has.

Codie often sounds like he is talking in a different language!! Every now and then he goes into babble mode He must know what he is talking about LOL.

wenz2712 said:

Codie often sounds like he is talking in a different language!! Every now and then he goes into babble mode He must know what he is talking about LOL.

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ROFLMAO. Yup, I get that from all of mine as well. I've even tried mimicking them, but they don't seem to understand me.

Yeah, I've read about the "babbling" from many owners. It's kinda like little kids... All of my siblings had their own "language" I'd have to learn when they were babies. Haha!

Thanks for your posts, everyone!

008kenichijouji said:

Yeah, I've read about the "babbling" from many owners. It's kinda like little kids... All of my siblings had their own "language" I'd have to learn when they were babies. Haha!

Thanks for your posts, everyone!

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On a serious note, many many moons ago I met a French lady who had a Blue & Gold Macaw. Her bird WAS bilingual. He would speak and sing in French AND in English (with a French accent). It was hilarious to hear him speak.

Well, although my AG doesn't talk yet I speak to her mainly on Russian and Hebrew. Some things are easier on English such as "I love you". So I teach her those on English. Also I listen to audiobooks on English. So I am curious what language will she choose....

JerseyWendy said:

On a serious note, many many moons ago I met a French lady who had a Blue & Gold Macaw. Her bird WAS bilingual. He would speak and sing in French AND in English (with a French accent). It was hilarious to hear him speak.

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That's funny!!!! I wonder which he preferred to use... haha.

Does babbling and making weird noises count as a different language? If so, Eva has that down to a T!

Sure! Hahaha. I supposed I meant human languages, but technically, "babbling" counts too. :]