Bulbapedia - User contributions [en]

Pokémon language

2013-04-29T13:18:25Z

Purrich: /* In the anime */

'''Pokémon language''' is the medium by which {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} communicate with each other and with humans in the {{pkmn|games}} and the {{pkmn|anime}}. This may include communicating through the Pokémon's [[cry]], through [[Talking Pokémon|the human language]], through body language, or through some other means of communicating, such as {{wp|telepathy}} or by {{wp|Spirit possession|possessing}} a human or a fellow Pokémon that is able to speak.

==Cry==
{{main|Cry}}
===In the games===
For a vast majority of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the games, the only sound they are capable of making, is their [[cry]].

When a Pokémon is brought into battle, regardless of whether it is being encountered in the wild or summoned by a [[Pokémon Trainer]], an audio cry will be heard. Pokémon also use their cry when using certain sound-based [[move]]s, such as {{m|Growl}}. Another way to hear the cry of a Pokémon is by looking that Pokémon up in the [[Pokédex]].

Every [[species]] of Pokémon has its own cry, while there are some who seems to have identical cries, for example {{p|Charizard}}'s and {{p|Rhyhorn}}'s.

===In the anime===
Typically, Pokémon will have a cry that is identical to their own species' name. For example, a {{p|Charmander}} will only be able to say the actual word "Charmander," in part or in whole.

Despite apparently speaking only their own species' name, Pokémon seems to be able to communicate with each other without issue. In ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'', there are subtitles for what the Pokémon are saying, and evidently they could understand each other perfectly. Communication between Pokémon has become especially crucial in [[Double Battle]]s, [[Triple Battle]]s, and [[Tag Battle]]s. An example of this can be seen from the conversation between Ash's {{AP|Pikachu}} and [[Dawn's Piplup]] in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', when communication between those two Pokémon was vital in saving their Trainers.

While it was originally assumed that all cries by Pokémon were the same, dedicated fans have been able to find what appear to be patterns, such as Ash's Pikachu saying "Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu" when using {{m|Thunderbolt}} or "Pika-Pikachu" when referring to himself, Pika-Pi when referring to Ash. Dawn's Piplup also shows patterns, such as "Piplup-lup-lup" when using {{m|BubbleBeam}}, or "Pipluurrrp" when using {{m|Whirlpool}}, with the 'lup' becoming distinctly watery.

==Human language==
{{main|Talking Pokémon}}
===In the games===
There are a few Pokémon that are able to speak the human language, such as {{OBP|Copycat|character}}'s {{p|Doduo}} in {{v|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, and a {{p|Murkrow}} who appeared in the [[Team Rocket HQ]], in the [[Generation II]] games and their [[Generation IV]] remakes. However, there has not been a Pokémon to this point which has had a fluent conversation with a human, if it does, the speech has been limited to only one or two sentences.

It is unknown to what extent Pokémon understand the human language. {{p|Lapras}}'s Pokédex entry cites its ability to comprehend the human language, possibly implying that not all Pokémon can fully understand the human language. While it is commonly assumed that the player tells the Pokémon which move to use, there is no actual point to confirm this, as each time the player's Pokémon attacks, the game simply states, "<Pokémon> used <move>," thus never directly stating that the player has given the command and the Pokémon followed suit. However, there have been a few specific examples of other Trainers commanding their Pokémon, such as [[Lance]] telling his {{p|Dragonite}} to use {{m|Hyper Beam}} on a {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} in the Generation II games and their remakes.

===In the anime===
[[File:Meowth Team Rocket.png|thumb|200px|{{MTR}}]]
Unlike the games, there are only a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is {{MTR|Team Rocket's Meowth}}, who relentlessly learned English to impress his love interest, [[Meowzie]]. This has made him a common interpreter between the humans and Pokémon in the anime.

Other major Pokémon that could fluently hold conversations with humans include the {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Slowking}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', a {{p|Snover}} in ''[[PK19|Pikachu's Ice Adventure]]'', and a {{p|Gastly}} in ''[[EP020|The Ghost of Maiden's Peak]]''.

==Body language==
When Pokémon are outside of their [[Poké Ball]]s, they have a distinct body language that can sometimes be their primary way of communicating with humans.

===In the games===
In [[Pokémon Yellow Version]], the player's starting {{p|Pikachu}} will be outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in the anime. If the player turns around and talks to the Pikachu, an image will appear on the screen above Pikachu, showing its expression, which changes depending on its mood. For example, when the player starts the game, Pikachu will be unhappy to be stuck with the player, but as its [[friendship]] increases throughout the game, its expressions will become more positive.

In {{v|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the Trainer's first Pokémon in the [[party]], will follow the Trainer around for a majority of the game. However, unlike in Yellow Version, if the Trainer turns around to talk to the Pokémon, an image will not show up. Rather, the text at the bottom of the screen will give a description of what the Pokémon is doing.

===In the anime===
Ash's Pikachu is the most notable Pokémon for using dramatic body language to communicate. Several Pokémon appear to use motions and body language, essentially playing a game of {{wp|charades}} with their Trainers. This has led to many humorous moments throughout the {{pkmn|anime}}.

==Other means of communication==
===Telepathy===
Many Pokémon, mainly {{type|Psychic}}s, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]'', a {{p|Ralts}} telepathically called [[Max]] for help; however, it may have been crying out to anyone and Max happened to be the only one who heard it. This is not to be confused with the [[Ability]], {{a|Telepathy}}.

[[File:Ash and his Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership]]
[[File:Latias as Bianca.png|thumb|200px|Latias communicates as Bianca]]
Most [[talking Pokémon]] speak telepathically, such as the {{OBP|Zorua|M13}} in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''. Many [[legendary Pokémon]] are able to do this as well (for example, {{OBP|Lugia|M02}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'').

===Partnership===
It seems that an experienced or empathic Trainer may be able to communicate quite fluently with their Pokémon, if only intuitively. In ''[[DP111|Saving the World From Ruins!]]'', {{Ash}} understood that Pikachu wanted to use {{m|Thunderbolt}} to help [[Riley's Lucario]], for instance.

===Through someone else===
Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon. In ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', a {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}} speak through Meowth.

===Shapeshifting===
The {{p|Latias}} in ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]'' was able to bend light in order to make herself appear as {{mov|Bianca}}, a girl whom she had befriended and was able to communicate with the human language as her.

===Illusion===
In ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]'', a {{p|Ninetales}} created an illusive girl named [[Lokoko]] through whom it spoke.

==Related articles==
* [[Cry]]
* [[Talking Pokémon]]
* {{DL|Ash's Pikachu|Pikachu's language}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Anime]]

Pokémon language

2013-04-29T13:16:38Z

Purrich: /* In the anime */

'''Pokémon language''' is the medium by which {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} communicate with each other and with humans in the {{pkmn|games}} and the {{pkmn|anime}}. This may include communicating through the Pokémon's [[cry]], through [[Talking Pokémon|the human language]], through body language, or through some other means of communicating, such as {{wp|telepathy}} or by {{wp|Spirit possession|possessing}} a human or a fellow Pokémon that is able to speak.

==Cry==
{{main|Cry}}
===In the games===
For a vast majority of {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the games, the only sound they are capable of making, is their [[cry]].

When a Pokémon is brought into battle, regardless of whether it is being encountered in the wild or summoned by a [[Pokémon Trainer]], an audio cry will be heard. Pokémon also use their cry when using certain sound-based [[move]]s, such as {{m|Growl}}. Another way to hear the cry of a Pokémon is by looking that Pokémon up in the [[Pokédex]].

Every [[species]] of Pokémon has its own cry, while there are some who seems to have identical cries, for example {{p|Charizard}}'s and {{p|Rhyhorn}}'s.

===In the anime===
Typically, Pokémon will have a cry that is identical to their own species' name. For example, a {{p|Charmander}} will only be able to say the actual word "Charmander," in part or in whole.

Despite apparently speaking only their own species' name, Pokémon seems to be able to communicate with each other without issue. In ''[[EP017|Island of the Giant Pokémon]]'', there are subtitles for what the Pokémon are saying, and evidently they could understand each other perfectly. Communication between Pokémon has become especially crucial in [[Double Battle]]s, [[Triple Battle]]s, and [[Tag Battle]]s. An example of this can be seen from the conversation between Ash's {{AP|Pikachu}} and [[Dawn's Piplup]] in ''[[M12|Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]'', when communication between those two Pokémon was vital in saving their Trainers.

While it was originally assumed that all cries by Pokémon were the same, dedicated fans have been able to find what appear to be patterns, such as Ash's Pikachu saying "Piiika-Chuuuuuuuu" when using {{m|Thunderbolt}} or "Pika-Pikachu" when referring to himself, Pika-Pi when referring to Ash.
Dawn's Piplup also shows patterns, such as "Piplup-lup-lup" when using {{m|BubbleBeam}}, or "Pipluurrrp" when using {{m|Whirlpool}}, with the 'lup' becoming distinctly watery.

==Human language==
{{main|Talking Pokémon}}
===In the games===
There are a few Pokémon that are able to speak the human language, such as {{OBP|Copycat|character}}'s {{p|Doduo}} in {{v|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, and a {{p|Murkrow}} who appeared in the [[Team Rocket HQ]], in the [[Generation II]] games and their [[Generation IV]] remakes. However, there has not been a Pokémon to this point which has had a fluent conversation with a human, if it does, the speech has been limited to only one or two sentences.

It is unknown to what extent Pokémon understand the human language. {{p|Lapras}}'s Pokédex entry cites its ability to comprehend the human language, possibly implying that not all Pokémon can fully understand the human language. While it is commonly assumed that the player tells the Pokémon which move to use, there is no actual point to confirm this, as each time the player's Pokémon attacks, the game simply states, "<Pokémon> used <move>," thus never directly stating that the player has given the command and the Pokémon followed suit. However, there have been a few specific examples of other Trainers commanding their Pokémon, such as [[Lance]] telling his {{p|Dragonite}} to use {{m|Hyper Beam}} on a {{tc|Team Rocket Grunt}} in the Generation II games and their remakes.

===In the anime===
[[File:Meowth Team Rocket.png|thumb|200px|{{MTR}}]]
Unlike the games, there are only a few Pokémon that can have fluent conversations with humans. The most well-known [[talking Pokémon]] is {{MTR|Team Rocket's Meowth}}, who relentlessly learned English to impress his love interest, [[Meowzie]]. This has made him a common interpreter between the humans and Pokémon in the anime.

Other major Pokémon that could fluently hold conversations with humans include the {{DL|Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime|Slowking}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', a {{p|Snover}} in ''[[PK19|Pikachu's Ice Adventure]]'', and a {{p|Gastly}} in ''[[EP020|The Ghost of Maiden's Peak]]''.

==Body language==
When Pokémon are outside of their [[Poké Ball]]s, they have a distinct body language that can sometimes be their primary way of communicating with humans.

===In the games===
In [[Pokémon Yellow Version]], the player's starting {{p|Pikachu}} will be outside of its Poké Ball and follows the player around, much like Ash's Pikachu does in the anime. If the player turns around and talks to the Pikachu, an image will appear on the screen above Pikachu, showing its expression, which changes depending on its mood. For example, when the player starts the game, Pikachu will be unhappy to be stuck with the player, but as its [[friendship]] increases throughout the game, its expressions will become more positive.

In {{v|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, the Trainer's first Pokémon in the [[party]], will follow the Trainer around for a majority of the game. However, unlike in Yellow Version, if the Trainer turns around to talk to the Pokémon, an image will not show up. Rather, the text at the bottom of the screen will give a description of what the Pokémon is doing.

===In the anime===
Ash's Pikachu is the most notable Pokémon for using dramatic body language to communicate. Several Pokémon appear to use motions and body language, essentially playing a game of {{wp|charades}} with their Trainers. This has led to many humorous moments throughout the {{pkmn|anime}}.

==Other means of communication==
===Telepathy===
Many Pokémon, mainly {{type|Psychic}}s, interact with humans via telepathy. For instance, in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]'', a {{p|Ralts}} telepathically called [[Max]] for help; however, it may have been crying out to anyone and Max happened to be the only one who heard it. This is not to be confused with the [[Ability]], {{a|Telepathy}}.

[[File:Ash and his Pikachu.png|thumb|200px|Ash and Pikachu communicate through their partnership]]
[[File:Latias as Bianca.png|thumb|200px|Latias communicates as Bianca]]
Most [[talking Pokémon]] speak telepathically, such as the {{OBP|Zorua|M13}} in ''[[M13|Zoroark: Master of Illusions]]''. Many [[legendary Pokémon]] are able to do this as well (for example, {{OBP|Lugia|M02}} in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'').

===Partnership===
It seems that an experienced or empathic Trainer may be able to communicate quite fluently with their Pokémon, if only intuitively. In ''[[DP111|Saving the World From Ruins!]]'', {{Ash}} understood that Pikachu wanted to use {{m|Thunderbolt}} to help [[Riley's Lucario]], for instance.

===Through someone else===
Some Pokémon have been able to speak telepathically through a person or another Pokémon. In ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', a {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}} speak through Meowth.

===Shapeshifting===
The {{p|Latias}} in ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]'' was able to bend light in order to make herself appear as {{mov|Bianca}}, a girl whom she had befriended and was able to communicate with the human language as her.

===Illusion===
In ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]'', a {{p|Ninetales}} created an illusive girl named [[Lokoko]] through whom it spoke.

==Related articles==
* [[Cry]]
* [[Talking Pokémon]]
* {{DL|Ash's Pikachu|Pikachu's language}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Anime]]