The Superpower Of Polyglots

Who Or What Are Polyglots?

Only three percent of the world’s population can speak four or more languages. Known as polyglots – people who can fluently speak multiple languages – these individuals possess not only the ability to speak a foreign language, but enhanced cognitive abilities, empathy and a cultural understanding that AI technology cannot match.

One of the most notable polyglots of today is Ziad Fazah, known for speaking 59 different languages and currently the Guinness Book of World Records holder for most spoken.

Cognitive Advantages

Learning multiple languages stimulates our brains to build new neural pathways, helping to delay the onset of cognitive decline. Consistently navigating between languages helps our brains to build plasticity – an ability to adapt to new situations. Polyglots exhibit enhanced memory capabilities as they become skilled at learning new phrases and grammar through repetition and improved problem solving skills through the analysis of complex linguistically challenges.

Polyglots also exhibit increased attention control and focus, leading to a higher level of organisation and planning. In addition, they have an increased ability for multitasking as they become accustomed to moving between multiple languages simultaneously. Because of these benefits, polyglots tend to achieve higher levels of academic success within educational settings.

Cultural Immersion

Polyglots are considered key individuals in building cultural bridges and promoting diplomacy and understanding in an interconnected world. It gives learners a better understanding of foreign literature and values, allowing them to become fully immersed in its culture. This not only enriches cultural understanding, it helps build empathy for different ways of life and traditions. Polyglots are able to gain access to a new world of media, literature and arts, appreciating a finer intricacy and understanding of another culture. This allows for more meaningful travel experiences that are enriched with local knowledge and cultural understandings.

Professional Development

There is an increasing demand for multilingual professionals; to date, job postings for bilingual roles have doubled since 2020. This has also been reflected by the higher number of individuals seeking language courses and learning experiences. The increased need for communication skills and working internationally have seen employers favouring recruits who can work with clients across a range of global regions and are interculturally competent.

While AI technologies such as translation tools have created major advancements in crossing language barriers, it is unlikely they will be able to fully replace polyglots in the future. The reasons for this include the ability for polyglots to show cultural sensitivity and nuances, complex personal interactions and confidentiality, empathy and emotional context and specialised knowledge and artistic expression.

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