diff --git a/doc/fixes34.4 b/doc/fixes34.4
index 84d0c58d4..44a114e8f 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.4
+++ b/doc/fixes34.4
@@ -348,6 +348,7 @@ increase damage bonus applies when kicking while polymorphed into a monster
 	form which has a kicking attack, just like for other kicks
 if magically removing steed's saddle is fatal, don't leave it saddled in bones
 charging prompt used wrong criteria when deciding whether to list rings
+an orc (or gnome) will respond to #chat if hero is also an orc (or gnome)
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/sounds.c b/src/sounds.c
index 6dac8f1e2..fed6b13de 100644
--- a/src/sounds.c
+++ b/src/sounds.c
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-/*	SCCS Id: @(#)sounds.c	3.5	2007/03/23	*/
+/*	SCCS Id: @(#)sounds.c	3.5	2007/05/05	*/
 /*	Copyright (c) 1989 Janet Walz, Mike Threepoint */
 /* NetHack may be freely redistributed.  See license for details. */
 
@@ -484,6 +484,11 @@ register struct monst *mtmp;
     /* make sure its your role's quest quardian; adjust if not */
     else if (msound == MS_GUARDIAN && ptr != &mons[urole.guardnum])
 	msound = mons[genus(monsndx(ptr), 1)].msound;
+    /* some normally non-speaking types can/will speak if hero is similar */
+    else if (msound == MS_ORC &&	/* note: MS_ORC is same as MS_GRUNT */
+	    (same_race(ptr, youmonst.data) ||		/* current form, */
+	     same_race(ptr, &mons[Race_switch])))	/* unpoly'd form */
+	msound = MS_HUMANOID;
 
     /* be sure to do this before talking; the monster might teleport away, in
      * which case we want to check its pre-teleport position
@@ -719,10 +724,11 @@ register struct monst *mtmp;
 	    /* else FALLTHRU */
 	case MS_HUMANOID:
 	    if (!mtmp->mpeaceful) {
-		if (In_endgame(&u.uz) && is_mplayer(ptr)) {
+		if (In_endgame(&u.uz) && is_mplayer(ptr))
 		    mplayer_talk(mtmp);
-		    break;
-		} else return 0;	/* no sound */
+		else
+		    pline_msg = "threatens you.";
+		break;
 	    }
 	    /* Generic peaceful humanoid behaviour. */
 	    if (mtmp->mflee)
@@ -817,6 +823,10 @@ register struct monst *mtmp;
 	case MS_CUSS:
 	    if (!mtmp->mpeaceful)
 		cuss(mtmp);
+	    else if (is_lminion(mtmp))
+		verbl_msg = "It's not too late.";
+	    else
+		verbl_msg = "We're all doomed.";
 	    break;
 	case MS_SPELL:
 	    /* deliberately vague, since it's not actually casting any spell */