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Polyglots and hyperpolyglots
A hyperpolyglot is one who can speak six or more languages fluently. The term was coined by the linguist Richard Hudson in 2003 and derives from the word "polyglot", meaning one who can speak multiple languages.
There are several theories as to why some people can easily learn many different languages, while others only ever learn one. German neuroscientists studied the brain of hyperpolyglot Emil Krebs (he understood 100 languages and learned Armenian in 9 weeks) and determined that the area of Krebs’ brain —Broca's area (that governs speech) —was organized differently than in monolingual men (The broca's area didn't have the same asymmetry as most as monolingual people).
On the other hand, the neurolinguist Loraine Obler has correlated hyperpolyglotism with the Geschwind-Galaburda cluster, a high coincidence of left-handedness, homosexuality, auto-immune disorders, learning disorders and talents in art, mathematics and, possibly, languages.
What neuroscientists don't know is whether language-learning changes the brain—which studies show is likely—or whether some people are born with this quality.
- Harold Williams (1876–1928), a New Zealander, is considered to have been one of the most accomplished polyglots in history, said to have known 58 languages and other related dialects.
A high IQ isn't a prerequisite for extreme multilingualism.
Scientists say that the effort to learn several languages may cause the changes in the brain.
Some other notable hyperpolyglots include:
- Sir Richard F. Burton (1821–1890) - The cardinal Giuseppe Mezzofanti (1774–1849) - Sir John Bowring (1792–1872) - William Jones (September 28, 1746 – April 27, 1794) - The linguistics professor Kenneth Hale (1934–2001) - Ziad Fazah (1954– ) who can speak up to 58 languages - Uku Masing (1909–1985), an Estonian linguist, theologian, ethnologist, and poet. Claim: fluent in approximately 65 languages, translated from 20. - Harold Williams (1876–1928), New Zealand journalist and linguist. Claim: over 58 languages. - Ziad Fazah (1954– ), raised in Lebanon, living in Brazil since the 1970s. Claim: speaks, reads and understands 58 languages.
There are so many hyperpolyglots in the world ... if you are interested in the subject, check this websites:
To bi-linguals and polyglots. How do you adjust your PC meter in the other language?
In other languages you can get away with things you can't in English. In Spanish you can say I don't wanna work like a negro. In Arabic, you may be able to use words for Jews that may be considered shocking in English. In other languages, words for women normally considered derogatory may only be taken that way if you change the " tone" of your voice.How do you adjust your Politically Correct meter. I'm very bad at this so I just keep it clean, clean, clean. Do you just do what the locals do? Take a when in Rome Lebanon Madrid Tokyo... approach?
For polyglots: Favorite Language?
What is your favorite language? Perhaps this is easier to answer for particular aspects of language like written or spoken.Personally I think Portuguese is the most beautiful language to speak and sing in. As for written language I actually have to say English due to its rich vocabulary and ability to perfectly describe anything. In English there is a word for almost every shade of meaning of every possible concept.Spanish is great for thinking and quite fun to speak, though not quite as beautiful fun as Portuguese.Though I know more about Romance languages I'm open to answers including any language. I've studied Chinese, Greek, and a little Hungarian but I have to say I've fallen in love with the Romance languages.
Just for polyglots!?
I love learning and I believe that life isn't worth if we do not spend our time on things with a great reward such as languages,music...All right,I've been learning over fifteen foreign languages by myself simultaneously and,for sure, i need to improve with the precious help from good speakers or natives.I hope to develop my skills in the languages i've already started learning and learn much more.Add me on MSN for I will be glad to learn your language and to teach when it is possible .Thanks,Rafael. rafael milliati hotmail.com
Question for polyglots?
How long would it take for me to gain fluency in German?Then in Dutch, Spanish, French, and Russian?
Why is it that so few Americans are polyglots?
I was traveling on a train from Italy to Switzerland when I was in college and the thing that impressed me about the Europeans I met on that trip was that EVERYONE spoke at least 3 languages. I thought about this for some time and wondered why so many Americans can't even master one language. I don't mean recent immigrants. I mean people who don't bother to learn basic English syntax and vocabulary. Is there something in our water?
Polyglots and hyperpolyglots
