Being a polyglot
A polyglot is a person who can speak, understand, and often read and write in multiple languages. Polyglots usually know four or more languages. Knowing different languages has many advantages.
Polyglots use their language skills in different aspects of their lives, including travel, work, and social interactions. They can easily change from one language to another.
In theory, there is no limit to how many languages a person can learn. However, there are practical considerations. It is important to have time and to be committed. It is also important to have opportunities to practise.
The human brain is extremely adaptable. However, there is a limit to how much information it can retain and process. One famous Lebanese polyglot, Ziad Fazah, can speak more than 50 languages. Hungarian translator Kató Lomb (1909-2003) was one of the world’s first simultaneous interpreters and was fluent in 17 languages. She could simultaneously translate Russian, German, English and French, and was completely fluent in Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Polish.
Other polyglots include actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, Mila Kunis and Penelope Cruz and the singer Shakira, who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Italian. Polyglots in the past include actress Audrey Hepburn (six languages), Queen Elizabeth I (ten languages), and Cleopatra, who was able to speak seven languages.
Being a polyglot is a great achievement. It shows how incredible the human brain is. You can learn one new language or many. The journey of language learning brings many benefits, opportunities and adventures.