Talking to animals is pure magic: pets, birds and zoo animals would finally answer back. Speaking every human language is more practical: travel, friends and jobs anywhere in the world. Dreamers and travelers rarely agree on this one.
The case for “Be able to talk to animals”
- You would finally know what your pet is thinking.
- Animals could tell you where it hurts when they are sick.
- A chat with a dolphin would be unforgettable.
The case for “Speak every human language”
- You could make friends in every country you visit.
- Every book, movie and song would be open to you.
- Translators would want to hire you on the spot.
Who picks which side
Pet owners, nature lovers and kids usually pick talking to animals. Travelers, language learners and people who dream of working abroad often pick speaking every human language. It is a nice question for classrooms, because it leads naturally into talking about culture, nature and communication.
Our take
Speaking every language is more useful, but talking to animals is more magical. We pick animals, simply because nobody else in the world could do it, and your pet finally gets to explain itself.
Keep the debate going
Twist: animals can only talk about food, or you can speak every language but only in a whisper.
Make it harder
- Animals can only talk about the weather.
- You speak every language, but only in a whisper.
- You can talk to one animal species only, and you choose now.
In one line: Bark or bonjour. Find more like it in our impossible would you rather questions.
Frequently asked questions
Which choice is more useful?
Every language is more useful in daily life, school and work. Talking to animals is more unique, and could help vets, farmers and scientists understand animals better.
What would you ask an animal first?
Many people would ask their pet what it thinks of them. Others would ask wild animals what humans could do to help them.
