Parrots living near humans and deprived of interaction with their peers often begin to mimic human speech. However, the question of whether they understand the meaning of the words they utter remains a subject of scientific discussion. Experts note that it depends on both the individual characteristics of the bird and the training methods.
Research shows that in some cases, parrots are capable of using words not randomly, but in appropriate situations. One of the most famous examples is an African grey parrot named Alex, who was studied by Professor Irene Pepperberg for many years. The bird mastered over a hundred words, could count up to six, distinguished objects, understood the concept of zero, and could compare objects with each other.
Such abilities, according to researchers, are the result of a special approach to training. Alex learned words through a consistent connection between sounds, objects, or actions. Psychology professor Erika Colbert-White notes that similar techniques can be applied when training pet parrots.
At the same time, specialists emphasize that abstract concepts are significantly more challenging for birds. Nevertheless, parrots are capable of using individual expressions depending on the situation. For example, they may utter greeting phrases when a person appears. Even if the meaning of the word is not fully understood, the owner's approving reaction helps reinforce such behavior.
Scientists also point out that not all parrots show interest in human speech. Despite this, researchers believe that these birds have a complex communication system that science has only partially studied so far.
