The Power Of Polyglots: Bridging Cultures With Languages

I recently asked my mother-in-law, Cora, about her linguistic abilities. As we glided across Vancouver, British Columbia's False Creek on an aqua bus (highly recommended!), the city skyline providing a stunning backdrop, she recounted her linguistic journey. Raised in Communist Romania as a Tatar Muslim, she began life bilingual, speaking Romanian and Tatar.

As a young adult, Cora's life took a dramatic turn when she fled the communist nation and found herself in a refugee camp in Türkiye. There, necessity and curiosity led her to pick up Turkish. She picked up Farsi to be able to communicate with her new family. And later, she mastered English after immigrating to Canada. Now, she's even dabbling in Korean, fueled by her love for K-dramas. In total, Cora speaks five languages fluently — Romanian, Tatar, English, Farsi, and Turkish — and possesses a working knowledge of several others, from Russian to Italian.

Cora is more than just a language enthusiast; she's a true polyglot, one of the select few — less than 3 percent of the world's population — who achieve fluency in multiple languages. Her story is a testament to the power of language to transcend borders and reshape our understanding of the world.

Polyglots Bridge Cultures

Many of us desire to learn another language, yet we often give up after a few attempts. I have tried and failed to learn Spanish, Mandarin, ASL, Arabic, and Farsi. 

While bilingualism and even trilingualism are increasingly common, true polyglots remain a rare breed. What sets them apart? It's not just about accumulating vocabulary; it's about immersing oneself in different cultural mindsets.

"As soon as you get a second language, you connect with a different culture or a different way of seeing the world. That is when your curiosity becomes something bigger," explains Catalina Morales Vélez, a bilingual communications specialist with the award-winning Canadian magazine, The Polyglot.

Polyglots seem to share a few key characteristics. They often have a life story that spans multiple countries, and they possess a remarkable ability to adapt and build bridges through language. Cora's journey from a Tatar-speaking child in Romania to a multilingual mother in Canada perfectly illustrates this.

The Brainy Benefits of Learning Languages

The advantages of multilingualism extend beyond cultural enrichment. Recent studies indicate that individuals who speak multiple languages tend to develop denser gray matter in brain regions associated with memory and motor control. Think of it as a mental workout: learning a new language challenges your brain to forge new neural pathways, strengthening the connections that allow us to translate electrical impulses in our brains into actions and, ultimately, words.

Scientists have also linked the thrill of mastering a new phrase to bursts of neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to reorganize itself to accommodate new information. This increased agility can sharpen cognitive skills and potentially delay age-related cognitive decline.

Linguistic Adventures: From Cleopatra to K-Dramas

Throughout history, language has been a tool for connection and influence. Cleopatra, for example, used her linguistic skills to navigate the complex political landscape of the ancient world. In our own time, Cora's experiences offer a more personal perspective. She learned Turkish out of necessity in a refugee camp, Farsi to be able to communicate with her marital family, and mastered English to build a new life in Canada, and now enjoys picking up Korean phrases gleaned from her favorite TV shows.

But language is more than just a means of communication; it's a gateway to understanding different cultures. As Catalina notes, "Once you know how to express yourself in another language, you realize how nuanced communication can be." A single word can carry layers of social and emotional meaning, offering a fresh perspective on the world.

Cracking the Code: Strategies from Self-Taught Polyglots

You don't need to grow up in a multilingual environment to become proficient in another language. Self-teaching can be surprisingly effective. Cora's approach was largely immersive: she lived among Turkish speakers and married into a Farsi-speaking family.

"Immersion is powerful because it's fueled by curiosity," Catalina explains. "You want to communicate with real people in their language and culture, and that breaks down barriers."

Research supports the idea that immersive practice primes the brain for flexible language switching. If you're looking to expand your linguistic horizons, consider these tips:

• Seek out real-world interactions. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with native speakers, even if you know only a few phrases.

• Utilize spaced repetition: Flashcards and apps can be effective tools for memorizing vocabulary and turns of phrase.

• Immerse yourself in media: Watch TV shows and movies, listen to music and podcasts, and gradually reduce your reliance on subtitles.

• And if like me, you live with a multilingual person, Catalina suggests making meals a time when you only speak that second language.

Finding Joy in the Journey

The path to fluency is rarely smooth. Language fatigue, frustration, and the occasional embarrassing slip-up are all part of the process. Sometimes, you may even find yourself intentionally mixing languages, drawing on the unique emotional connotations of words from different cultures. As Catalina pointed out to me recently, "frustrated" (English) and "frustrada" (Spanish) may mean the same thing, but they carry different emotional weight.

The key to staying motivated is consistent practice and a genuine connection to the culture. For both Cora and Catalina, the rewards have been immense: deeper friendships, a broader understanding of the world, and access to communities and cultures they would never have encountered otherwise.

The Future of Language: Technology and Hyperpolyglots

Thanks to language apps, AI translators, and global connectivity, it's now easier than ever to practice new languages. You can connect with language partners via video call or use simulated immersion apps to practice real-world conversations. However, it's important to remember that technology can't replace face-to-face interaction.

"If you add a hint of humility to curiosity, you develop compassion. You honestly want to feel that other culture, not just speak the words," says Catalina. This combination of humility and technology may pave the way for a new generation of hyperpolyglots — individuals who speak six or more languages fluently.

Unlock Your World

Cora's story powerfully reminds us of what's possible. Even after enduring hardship and adapting to a new culture, she found a way to unlock new worlds through language. Each new language has given her a fresh perspective on culture and community. Perhaps that is the true hallmark of a polyglot: a deep appreciation for the power and beauty of human connection.

Ready to embark on your linguistic adventure? Challenge yourself to learn a few new phrases, or practice conversational basics in a language that intrigues you. Share your language goals with friends, online communities, or on social media. You never know where a simple "Merhaba!" or "Salut!" might lead. I know I'm now more determined than ever to learn some Romanian.