arisAlexis

Setting the stage Being a polyglot is a problem of definition first. Who can be described as a polyglot? At what level do you actually “speak” the given language? Some sources cite that polyglot means speaking more than 4 languages, others 6. My take is it doesn’t matter. I am more interested in the definition of when you speak the language. If you can greet and order a coffee in 20 languages do you actually speak them? I don’t think so. Do you need to present a scientific document or write a newspaper worthy article to be considered? That’s too much. I think the best definition would be that you can go out with a group of native speakers, understand what they are saying and participate in the discussion that would range from everyday stuff to maybe work related stuff and not switching too often to English nor using google translate. It’s ok to pause and maybe ask for a specific word or ask the group if your message got across. This is what I am aiming for when I study a specific language. Why learn a foreign language when soon we will have AI auto-translate from our glasses and other wearables? This is a valid question for work related purposes but socially it’s not. You can never be interacting with glasses talking in another language while having dinner with friends nor at a date for example. The small things that make you part of the culture are hidden in the language. The respect and the motivation to blend in is irreplaceable. For reference here are the languages I speak at approximate levels: * Greek - native * English - proficient (C2) * Spanish - high level (C1) active learning * French - medium level (B2) active learning * Italian - coffee+ level (B1) active learning * Dutch - survival level (A2) in hibernation Get started Firstly, I think the first foreign language you learn could be taught in a formal way with an experienced teacher. That will teach you the way to structure your thought process and learn how to learn efficiently. It’s comm