Polyglots & Language – What’s the Secret?

Since I was young, I was always fascinated by people that could fluently speak multiple languages. I constantly asked myself, “How can they do that?” Then I thought, “That person must be super smart! I wish I were that smart.”

As I grew, I continued to find myself interested in languages. I was always interested in everything from linguistics, etymology, and language acquisition. However, my original question of how someone can fluently speak multiple languages never left me. In short, I guess you could say that I was – and still am – fascinated by polyglots.

I found an episode entitled, “There’s a secret to leaning many languages – and it has nothing to do with smarts” on TED Radio Hour. Of course, I had to listen to it. The episode is 10-minutes long, and it is worth every minute. (I also included a link to the transcript for those who prefer to read.)

Here are the links:

Episode: There’s a secret to leaning many languages – and it has nothing to do with smarts

Link to: Transcript

Here are my takeaways from the episode. (A more comprehensive summary follows my takeaways.)

• Polyglots each have their own method of language learning, but they all enjoy the language learning process.
  
• There are three principles for language learning: effective methods, a learning plan, and patience.
  
• Many polyglots did not do well in their language courses at school. Polyglots are not more talented or intelligent than other people. And anyone can learn languages with the right approach.

Here is a more detailed summary:

Lydiá Machová, a polyglot, loves learning languages and has been successful in learning multiple languages. In fact, she learns a new language every two years. She was often asked how she achieved this. She then decided to meet other polyglots to find out their secrets.

Lydiá discovered that each polyglot had a unique approach to language learning, but all shared a common factor: they found ways to enjoy the language learning process. Enjoyment and passion were essential to their success. She shared her personal experiences of learning Spanish through reading “Harry Potter” and learning German by watching “Friends” in that language.

Again, finding enjoyment in language learning is crucial, but it requires more. Lydiá highlights three principles for language learning: effective methods, planning, and patience. More specifically, effective methods involve techniques like spaced repetition and incorporating language learning into daily activities. Planning and creating a system can help make language learning a part of everyday life. Patience is necessary as fluency takes time, but visible progress can be made with consistent small efforts.

She also debunks the notion that polyglots are naturally talented and emphasizes that anyone can learn languages with the right approach. Lydiá encourages those who have given up on language learning to try again with an enjoyable method, as they may be just one step away from learning a language – or even becoming a polyglot.

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I’m curious to hear your thoughts about the episode, polyglots, language learning or anything language related. Leave your thoughts below in the comment section! I look forward to reading them!

Mach’s gut!

Bonus: Here is a link to a TED Talk by John McWhorter, entitled: 4 Reasons to Learn a New Language