• Question: Is it possible for a llama to talk English?

    Asked by Charlie to Arthur, Clare, Daniel, David, Tora on 18 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Clare Harding

      Clare Harding answered on 18 Nov 2014:

      Generally, no!

      Llamas dont have the right vocal chords and tongues to be able to speak English, Spanish or any other language.

      What is more interesting is there is a gene in humans (and other animals) that helps us communicate called FoxP2. If FoxP2 is mutated in humans then we cant speak and humans have a different version of this gene compared to llamas. It is possible that if we gave llamas the human foxP2 gene they could start to make more sounds but they would never be able to speak english unless we gave them a whole new voice box and mouth.

      Sorry about that! You never know though, if you can get someone to fund you maybe you can do the research to make it possible!

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