Beyond Brains: The Truth Behind Polyglotism and Intelligence

Recently, I was once again asked if my proficiency in multiple languages reflects high intelligence. Upon reviewing my LinkedIn profile, it's evident that I am indeed a polyglot. However, my response remains consistent: I don't consider myself inherently more intelligent than the average person.

The foundation of my language abilities lies in the concept that learning a second language is typically the most challenging. Subsequent languages become progressively easier to grasp. Consequently, monolingual adults often struggle with acquiring a new language.

In my case, my upbringing in the Netherlands near the borders with German and French-speaking Belgium, alongside the presence of a NATO base in my town and another across the German border, exposed me to multiple languages from birth, including the cross-border regional language. Growing up, I naturally absorbed much of the languages spoken around me, aided by radio and TV broadcasts from neighboring regions, including a US military radio station (AFN). Listening without being bothered with dreadful grammar. However, speaking these languages as a child proved to be challenging. Later, the education system played a crucial role in my linguistic development. Persistence and attitude were key factors here. The attitude was simple: start speaking regardless of one's current level of language knowledge, like how we all learn our mother tongue.

I emphasize that I didn't experience a traditional "second language" scenario; rather, I was immersed in multiple languages simultaneously due to my surroundings. Therefore, I attribute my linguistic abilities more to fortunate circumstances of birth rather than inherent intelligence.

Frequently, I hear the advice to limit oneself to English, as it's presumed to be the universal language of business. However, in my experience, this assumption doesn't hold true. I've encountered high-level executives from major multinational corporations who openly admitted their English proficiency was insufficient. They appreciated the opportunity to converse with me in their native language, which helped to establish a strong relationship.

Another compelling reason to communicate in a foreign language is to establish trust. In my initial role, our headquarters encountered challenges in certain countries with clients and local teams. I was entrusted with resolving these issues by traveling abroad, and I succeeded. How? By building trust through speaking the language of those I was engaging with, and by maintaining genuineness and honesty. That's the essence of it. As humans, we naturally seek trust in one another, and language serves as a powerful conduit for fostering that trust. Therefore, it's crucial to move beyond solely relying on sophisticated AI-powered translation apps.

There's a common misconception that polyglots possess comprehensive knowledge of all their languages. Each language has its own nuances, including specific vocabulary lists like names of animals, plants, trees, birds, spices, fishes etc., of which I may not be fully proficient in foreign languages. However, translation apps on my phone prove invaluable in such situations. Sometimes I know a word in a foreign language and do not know it in my mother tongue. This scenario often arises, for example, when hosting guests for lunch and they inquire about the type of fish on the menu. Certain fishes have their own distinct names in one language, while in another language, they might be referred to with one and same word. It's a fascinating aspect of language learning that goes beyond mere translation. This highlights the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context behind words and phrases, rather than relying solely on direct word-for-word translations.

Is it mentally taxing to manage multiple languages in my mind? The question of which language I primarily think in arises frequently. A piece of advice I received long ago was to consistently think in my mother tongue. I become less fatigued this way. It also enables me to switch languages effortlessly. When exhaustion sets in, I may inadvertently switch to the wrong language, prompting puzzled looks from others. This signals that I am overly tired and need to rest. How do I unwind? By listening to and speaking in my native language. Surprisingly, listening to German also has a relaxing effect on me.

Regarding translation, while I can manage, I lack extensive experience. Instead, I often rely on automatic translation, correcting inaccuracies as needed, with AI technology offering significant assistance. Nonetheless, I don't claim to be a professional translator. As for interpretation, I can do so sequentially but not simultaneously like skilled interpreters, whom I admire for their intelligence and expertise. I've the privilege of knowing several such professionals.

Learning multiple languages also comes with its challenges, including linguistic pitfalls such as subtle differences in word meanings and varying sentence structures. For instance, a recent incident involved clarifying the translation of "una empresa publica" from Spanish, it is "a state-owned company", not a public company.

Additionally, word order can differ across languages, exemplified by phrases like "I want to eat meat," which in Dutch and German would be expressed as "I want meat to eat."

Do I speak those languages with an accent? Yes, I do. And that's perfectly all right. Accents reflect our roots, making them audible in our speech. I have no intention of eliminating my accent; it's an integral part of my identity. In fact, I embrace it as part of my personal brand. Accents often lend languages an even more exotic charm, while also subtly signaling proficiency in at least one other language. I encourage you to appreciate and admire accents.

Here comes a sincere warning: Once you begin conversing in your new language with native speakers, chances are you'll unintentionally say something amusing that makes them burst into laughter. Often, it involves inadvertently conveying a sexual undertone. These moments stick with you. I recall all the nonsensical things I've said, and those same individuals remember my slips even after many years, leading to hearty laughter again. Never feel embarrassed; you're in the process of learning and bringing joy to people. Isn't that the finest form of education?

This leads me to another point: No matter how proficient you become; native speakers will always outshine you. I've attended numerous meetings with native speakers, where I'm acutely aware of being the least adept speaker. Even after many years, I still encounter sentences I haven't fully grasped, and I need to ask for clarification.

Allow me to share a technique I employ to enrich my vocabulary. Whenever I travel, I cultivate the habit of exploring extensive supermarkets, leisurely wandering through each aisle. As I peruse the products, I try to memorize their names. On one occasion, while visiting Portugal, a security guard approached me and inquired about my activity. With a smile, I replied, 'I'm learning Portuguese.' The security guard was both taken aback and amused by my response.

For aspiring language learners, my advice is to immerse themselves in the language primarily through frequent listening. Forget about grammar initially; simply focus on listening. Listen, begin speaking, and gradually grasp the grammar, akin to how you learned your native tongue. I presume your mother didn't start with grammar; she communicated with you naturally.

Furthermore, as I've emphasized before, intelligence isn't a prerequisite for acquiring a language. Just dive in and get started. It's one of the most valuable assets you can possess, offering substantial returns.

#languages #languagelearning #foreignlanguages #multilingual #polyglot