polyglots

A polyglot is a person who knows and uses several languages. The term derives from Greek poly "many" + glotta "tongue." It is used to describe individuals whose linguistic repertoire includes more than a few languages, with varying proficiency levels.

There is no universal threshold for how many languages constitute a polyglot; common usage cites four or more, but some may be called polyglots with fewer depending on fluency and activity. Some differentiate between active proficiency (speaking, writing) and passive knowledge (understanding, reading). Polyglots may maintain languages at different levels.

Notable examples span history and contemporary times. Kató Lomb, a Hungarian translator of the mid-20th century, reportedly spoke around a dozen languages. Cardinal Giuseppe Mezzofanti, in the 18th and 19th centuries, is legendary for his claimed multilingual abilities, though exact counts are debated. In modern times, individuals such as Timothy Doner and Alexander Arguelles are known for public demonstrations of multiple languages; Ziad Fazah's claims to fluency in dozens have been contested.

Learning approaches vary but share themes: sustained exposure, deliberate practice, and multilingual environments. Many polyglots emphasize input-rich methods (extensive reading and listening), active speaking early and often, and leveraging related languages through cognates and shared grammars. Technologies such as spaced repetition, language exchange, and immersion programs are common tools.

Polyglots contribute to cross-cultural communication, translation, and education. Their activities range from travel and diplomacy to language coaching and linguistic research.