Does the African Grey Understand Our Words?

Mali and Zaire pick up words easily and have since I’ve known them. It seems they only have to hear a word once and if it catches their attention, they will repeat the word. Words said with emphasis and emotion seem to be their favorites. If I want them to repeat a word on cue, I keep small treats on hand next to their cages to reward the word that is spoken immediately. The reward encourages them to repeat the word more. As they repeat the word, I add a cue to it.

One day Zaire said “Hello” when my phone rang and I rewarded the word with a treat. I made my phone make the ringing noise again, and he said “Hello” and was again rewarded. After doing this about ten times, I started to say “Hello Zaire” then make the phone ring, and he would in turn say “Hello” back. Eventually, I stopped making the phone ring, and just said “Hello Zaire,” and he said “Hello” back to me.

The African Grey is very intelligent and in tune with their world around them. Mali and Zaire watch everything I do and have learned the context of my actions. I’m not exactly sure if they have learned cues or if they really understand what I am doing, but I have made some significant observations about the speech they use throughout the day.

Everyday when I get ready to go to work, I tell them that I have to get ready to go. Mali will repeat, “Ready to go.” I no longer have to say anything about getting ready to go for Mali to say “Ready to go.” All I have to do is start putting on my clothes and/or shoes and Mali will make the observation. She throws other words in like “Bye” and “See you later.” All of these words I have used in passing, but never rewarded. Because the words haven’t been rewarded, I feel that the birds are talking in context and learning a language as a small child would.