Let´s talk about polyglots!
Translated by Elisavet Kechagia
Based on the original article in Greek by Nancy Panagoulopoulou
Α polyglot is defined as someone with the ability to speak more than two languages (bilingualism). It refers to people who speak a lot of languages due to various situations, such as migration or living in a country with many national languages such as Belgium or South Africa to name a few. However, polyglots also learn languages out of pure interest in the process per se.
Being a polyglot equals many advantages such as…
More professional and educational opportunities
It is widely known that foreign languages can lead to professional opportunities in the educational sector, teaching a foreign language as a first, second or even third language. Translation can also be a professional outlet for polyglots. Also, it goes without saying that plenty of job and specialisation opportunities await them abroad when they know the target language. Additionally, being a polyglot, can offer a broader set of educational opportunities in various countries to choose from.
Extended communication
And no, it doesn’t just have to do with travelling. Apart from the obvious convenience it provides during trips like communication with locals, polyglossia offers opportunities for true connection. When you are able to speak with local people and understand them, you do more than merely comprehend: you see life through their perspective, or even help them. Thus you achieve something rather difficult nowadays: empathy!
Being a polyglot is easy
It is common knowledge that the process of acquiring a third (or even fourth or fifth) foreign language is easier than that of the original language(s). After all, the basic linguistic concepts and structures are already known and it is usually not required to learn a whole new alphabet. In european regions for instance, the majority of spoken languages share for the most part a common alphabet. Therefore, the time required for the acquisition of another language reduces dramatically, all the while increasing fluency.
Polyglots; It is a personal choice
Polyglots are predominantly adults who choose to speak many languages. We must not forget that many people have bad memories of their second language classes in school, something that is not necessarily true about the languages to come. The lessons can take place wherever and whenever the student wants, at their preferred pace and language. Some prefer Spanish (the second most spoken language worldwide), French (vital in diplomacy and quite popular in Europe), or simply any language that sounds beautiful and has interesting origins.
Being a polyglot is a matter of choice, a cool hobby and an opportunity for personal growth.
Αν επιθυμείς να διεκδικήσεις υποτροφίες στην Ελλάδα ή το εξωτερικό, ο Οδηγός Υποτροφιών του Citycampus σου προσφέρει ό,τι χρειάζεσαι!
