When Itzl was a year old, he learned to talk human words. Not many, but reliably.
His first word was "Aaarrrrrr", and he learned to say that to people wearing tricorn hats.
His second word was, "Now." He learned that word to tell hearing people that they needed to do something.
His third word, he taught himself.
My son, nicknamed Beaners after his great love of beans when he was a toddler, was sitting on the sofa, eating those new Oberto Jerky Chips when Itzl went up to beg for a taste. I told Beaners if he wanted to share with Itzl, he would have to get Itzl to obey a command first - sit or dance or something. No free snacks for Itzl. That's been my rule since I got him. This is particularly important for several reasons: he was training to be a service dog, he needed to know that food is free but treats are earned, and he's small so he has to burn off energy faster to get treats.
Well, Beaners is harder to train than Itzl, but he can be trained. So he gave Itzl a command, Itzl obeyed, and he got his snack.
Then Itzl decided he wanted another taste. So he went up to Beaners and said, very clearly, "Now!"
When Beaners stared at him and said, "Wha?", Itzl firmly repeated, "Now! Meat now!"
Beaners was so amazed, he gave Itzl another bite.
And therafter, whenever Itzl wanted a jerky chip, he told Beaners, "Meat now!", and Beaners would give it to him.
See, I told you Beaners could be trained.