Polyglotism

Polyglotism, also known as multilingualism, means that a person is capable of communicating in two or more languages. Some polyglots learn many languages, but many learn only two or three.

Knowledge of a second language, even if you are only able to read or listen to the language and not speak it, increases your opportunities in today’s society. Many jobs within the USA require that employees interact with speakers of multiple languages on a regular basis. Polyglots also have an advantage in the international job market.

With advances in communications and transportation opportunities to use a second language are increasingly common. Over the internet it is easy talk to someone on the other side of the world. By airplane it is possible to be anywhere in the world in just a day or two. If you know the language it is much easier to talk to the people and to understand the culture of any place you want to go.

Despite the advantages to multilingualism, many people are hesitant to learn a second language. Often concerns about the difficulty, expense, or usefulness of learning another language will prevent people from trying to learn.

While it is true that some languages are more common than others, every language provides a rich culture to explore and vast stores of knowledge to gain. The difficulty, expense, and usefulness of learning a second language are all directly affected by which language you choose to learn and why you want to learn it. Often many resources are available online, and once you start learning the language you will often find a surprising number of people who also know that language.

Other difficulties arise when people have unrealistic expectations about learning a language. Learning a language takes time, and few people learn to speak a second language ‘perfectly.’ It’s okay to not know everything about a language. Many people who only speak one language don’t speak it ‘perfectly’ and many people learn to speak a second language well enough to pass as a native. Anyone who takes the time to find a method that works well for them, and is persistent and motivated can learn to speak a second language or more if he or she wants.



'Learn a new language, and get a new soul.'

- Czech proverb.

http://www.multilingualchildren.org/index.html

http://www.thelanguagejournal.com/2011/10/its-polyglot-world-out-there.html

http://www.lsadc.org/info/ling-fields-multi.cfm