Have you ever wondered how polyglots are able to learn multiple languages with ease. Are they just naturally gifted, or do they possess special skills when it comes to language learning?
This blog post will explore the lives of famous polyglots and how they were able to become so proficient in various languages.
From the secrets behind their success to tips on how to learn multiple languages yourself, by the end of this post you’ll know all there is to know about mastering new tongues.
So, join us as we delve into the world of polyglots and take a look at how they got where they are today!
Famous Polyglots
Some of the most famous polyglots in history include Powell Janulus, Benny Lewis, Kató Lomb, Richard Simcott, and Steve Kaufmann. Each of these individuals were able to learn multiple languages for different reasons.
One commonality between all of these famous polyglots is that they all devoted a great deal of time and effort to language learning. They did not simply rely on talent or natural ability but put in the work required to become proficient in multiple languages. This is something that anyone can do if they are willing to put in the time and effort required.
So, if you’re looking to become a famous polyglot yourself, remember that it takes more than just talent. You need to be willing to put in the hard work required to achieve success.
Powell Janulus
Powell Janulus, originally from Canada but currently residing in British Columbia, has the Guinness World Records title he won in 1985 for being able to communicate fluently in 42 different languages.
In order to become eligible for the record, he had to demonstrate his proficiency in each of the 42 languages through a conversation lasting two hours with a natural speaker of that language.
His mother, who was Polish, was fluent in six languages, while his Lithuanian father was able to communicate in four other tongues. He had already mastered 13 languages by the time he turned 18 years old. He claimed that the academic approach to teaching languages was difficult for him, but that he was able to come up with his own strategy to learn languages more quickly.
He holds a certification that allows him to interpret in 28 of those languages. When he was in his forties, he worked as a court interpreter and was compensated for each of the languages that he spoke.
Powell Janulus is fluent in numerous languages, including but not limited to Romance languages, Slavic languages, Nordic languages, East Asian languages, German, Indo-Aryan languages, Wendish, Lusatian, Kashubian, Persian, Finnish, Turkish, Greek, and Croatian. He was already in his forties when he began to acquire additional languages, some of which he lists as Swahili, Inuit, Romani, and Tibetan.
Benny Lewis
Benny Lewis is an Irishman who has become one of the most famous polyglots in the world. He is the author of Fluent in 3 Months, a book that outlines his method for learning languages quickly.
Benny has been travelling the world since he was 19, and during that time, he has managed to learn 11 languages. He has also worked as a language teacher, so he knows a thing or two about language learning!
Benny’s method is based on using immersion techniques to force yourself to speak the language as much as possible. This means finding native speakers to practice with, and using resources like TV shows and movies to hear the language spoken correctly.
With Benny’s method, it is possible to reach a high level of proficiency in a foreign language in just a few months. If you’re looking to learn a new language quickly, Benny Lewis is definitely someone you should check out!
Kató Lomb
Kató Lomb was a Hungarian citizen. She is credited with being one of the earliest simultaneous interpreters in the history of the planet. Ms. Lomb was employed in the fields of translation and interpretation.
She was able to interpret fluently in approximately 9 or 10 different languages and translate into 16 different languages, including Ukrainian, Spanish, Slovak, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Latin, Japanese, Italian, Hebrew, German, French, English, Danish, Chinese, and Bulgarian. Lomb explained that she was able to satisfy her curiosity by learning these languages.
Her first degree was in chemistry and physics, but she quickly realized that language study was where her true passion lay. She stated in one of her interviews that although she only had one mother tongue, which is Hungarian, she was able to quickly switch between speaking German, French, English, and Russian with ease.
Ms. Lomb had the ability to translate literary works and specialized material into six different languages. She has had multiple books written and published in the Hungarian language.
Richard Simcott
Richard Simcott is a British polyglot who speaks over 30 languages. He has worked as a translator and interpreter for the European Union and the United Nations, and is currently a full-time language coach.
Simcott attributes his success in learning languages to his passion for communication. He believes that anyone can learn a language if they’re willing to put in the time and effort.
Simcott recommends starting with the basics when learning a new language. He also suggests finding a language partner or tutor to help you practice. And finally, he recommends immersing yourself in the language as much as possible by reading, watching TV, and listening to music in the target language.
Luca Lampariello
Luca Lampariello is one of the most famous polyglots in the world. He is a native Italian speaker who has mastered over 11 languages.
Luca Lampariello has a very unique approach to language learning. He doesn’t use any traditional methods or memorization techniques. Instead, he focuses on understanding the structure of the language and how it works. This allows him to create his own methods and resources that are tailored to his learning style.
Some of Luca’s tips for language learning include
- Find a method that works for you and stick with it. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning. What works for someone else may not work for you. Find an approach that you’re comfortable with and stick with it.
- Be patient. Learning a new language takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see progress immediately. Keep at it and eventually you will start to see results.
- Get out there and practice using your new language as often as possible. The best way to learn a language is to use it in real life situations. Find opportunities to practice speaking and writing in your new language as often as possible.
Steve Kaufmann
Steve Kaufmann is a polyglot who has learned over a dozen languages. He is the creator of the popular language-learning website LingQ.com.
Kaufmann began his language learning journey at the age of 11, when he started to learn French in school. He later went on to study Spanish, German, Russian, and Chinese. In addition to these languages, Kaufmann has also learned Esperanto, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, and Dutch.
Kaufmann’s secret to success is his immersive approach to learning languages. He believes that the best way to learn a language is to immerse oneself in it as much as possible. This means listening to native speakers, watching films and television shows in the target language, reading books and articles, and writing in the language regularly.
Kaufmann’s method has clearly worked for him – he is now proficient in all of the languages he has studied. In addition to being a successful language learner himself, Kaufmann has also helped others to learn languages through his website and courses.
Techniques they use to learn languages
There are many techniques that polyglots use to learn languages. Some of the most popular methods include
1. Immersion – One of the best ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. This means surrounding yourself with native speakers and using the language as much as possible in your everyday life.
2. Grammar Focus – Another popular technique is to focus on grammar rules and memorize key vocabulary words. This approach can help you to quickly build up a basic understanding of the language which can be further developed through conversation and practice.
3. Listening Comprehension – A third useful method is to focus on understanding native speakers rather than speaking yourself. This involves lots of listening practice and trying to comprehend as much spoken language as possible.
4. Reading Practice – Finally, another excellent way to learn a foreign language is simply to read as much as possible in the target language. By reading books, newspapers, magazines, or even online content, you can gradually expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of grammar rules.
The benefits of learning multiple languages
There are many benefits to learning multiple languages. For one, it can help you better understand your native language and its grammar. Additionally, learning multiple languages can help you communicate with people from all over the world, which can be beneficial both professionally and personally.
Some research has even shown that speaking multiple languages can help improve cognitive abilities, such as memory and multitasking. And of course, learning a new language is a fun and rewarding challenge in itself!
The best resources for learning a new language
There are a lot of great resources out there for learning a new langaguage. Here are a few of our favorites:
- For an immersive experience, try a language-learning program.
- If you prefer a more traditional approach, consider signing up for a class at a local community college or language school.
- There are also many great online resources, such as websites and apps.
- Don’t forget about the old-fashioned method of learning from books! Check out some recommended titles from our blog post on the subject.
- One of the best ways to learn a new language is to practice with a native speaker.
Conclusion
Learning a language can be a daunting task, but with dedication, practice and the right strategies, it is entirely possible to become fluent in multiple languages.
The famous polyglots we have looked at today are outstanding examples of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
Whether you want to learn another language for work or pleasure, their success stories can inspire you to keep learning and never give up on your dream of becoming multilingual.
