A lot of animal communication is soundless, and most of that is through movement and posture. I've learned to understand that and make the appropriate motions in return. That much is obvious to anyone's eyes, though they may not realize that I intuitively understand the sounds animals make as well (which are easier to hear clearly, now that my hearing range is extended). When communicating to them I make as many of the right sounds in their speech as I can: whistling to a bird, meowing to a cat, chittering to a squirrel, and so on. They also seem to pick up on human language, at least when I say it, but it's like someone speaking with an accent. I prefer to only use human speech if I can't make the right sound, both for clarity and also to avoid humans overhearing and understanding my side of the conversation.
Anyhow, they get me and I get them, but if I take the form of a similar enough animal (or the same kind) then they understand me flawlessly. We can talk easier then, and also not be understood by humans when we do.
Some legends talk about humans learning the languages of animals, often from a mystical source like tasting dragon blood, but also as simple as being taught bird tongue by a bird. How did this ability spontaneously manifest? Honestly, it's through an inherent connection with animals that comes about from latent and innate shapeshifting abilities. It's in the blood, metaphorically anyway.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
You may understand and communicate to terrestrial animal as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
Putting forth a beacon in the storm, Widow calls to the dead through the bonds of love it had in life.
The soul Widow calls sees the beacon in the dark, a call from a reaper. It takes time to bring the soul through the veils of the underworld, but the respect of the station demands answers. The station itself requires one to prove they should be respected. If the called dead has a desperate request, Widow must make a Self-control roll to resist the request as a potential loose end.
(This must be a desperate, whole hearted, selfless need. "Tell my daughter I am passed so she can move on." "Stop my killer from killing my family.")
Spend an Action. Select a human or Dead target within 50 feet. For dead targets, you must possess their their name.
The target can communicate in your language for the next hour.
You may only use this Effect once per target per day.
The knife's holder understands any form of communication, and is able to reciprocate in kind.
You gain the following benefits as long as you are wearing this Artifact.
You may understand and communicate to Creatures, humans, and Sapient beings as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
This also includes understanding any recorded communications from the relevant targets, including writings, scent trails, etc.
The Werecat lets their bestial nature assert itself slightly, allowing them to speak to their fellow beasts unhindered by their mortal self.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
You may understand and communicate to Creatures as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
Sable speaks to whatever creature she encounters with sincerity and kindness, while her stuffed toy whispers their reply.
You gain the following benefits at all times. You must actively and obviously be using her stuffed animal to gain the benefits of this Effect.
You may understand and communicate to Creatures, humans, and Sapient beings as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
Possession of this Power grants the following Battle Scar: tinnitus.
You gain the following benefits as long as you are wearing this Artifact.
You may understand and communicate to humans and Sapient beings as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
The beastmaster can speak to and understand any animal.
You gain the following benefits at all times.
You may understand and communicate to terrestrial animal as if you are fluent in a relevant language.
The Necromancer spits into the mouth of a recently deceased corpse. For the few minutes, the corpse's head comes back to life and speaks to the Necromancer.
Exert your Mind and spend an Action. Select a Dead target within 50 feet. Dead targets must have died within the past week, and you must have their remains in your possession.
The target can communicate in your language for the next hour.