I suppose it shouldn't surprise you to hear that I'm all for them learning it if they so choose, though I've never actually seen it happen with any of mine or the other girls'. Of course, that could be because we have Fluttershy. They might feel no need to learn a new language when she can already understand them just fine. Tesla excluded.

[No one can understand Tesla.]

As for starters... well, I can't really imagine being without Spike, but that could be because I just got really lucky with my starter. AJ might be different, though. Her starter when she came back was a Munchlax and she seems to be having quite a bit of trouble with him. I wouldn't be surprised if she's decided to box him permanently.