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Becoming a polyglot. Misdirected dream? | ||
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 Language Learning Forum : Polyglots |  | |
| garyb Triglot Senior Member ScotlandRegistered users can see my Skype Name Joined 4989 days ago 1468 posts - 2413 votes  Speaks: English*, Italian, French Studies: Spanish | Message 9 of 12 08 December 2011 at 10:48am | IP Logged | ||
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I don't see "being a polyglot" and being able to say I speak X languages as a goal in itself; it's just a consequence of my other goals. Like a lot of people here I decided I wanted to learn one language, and the more I learned the more I became interested in it and in languages in general, and that's given me encouragement to learn others in the future. So yes, that makes me an aspiring polyglot, but not because I want to be able to identify myself as such, just because I want to communicate in these languages. I guess I'm saying quite the same thing as NickJS. I suppose you could say that wanting to become a polyglot just so you can call yourself a polyglot is a misdirected dream, but if that's what motivates you then fair enough.
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| Mooby Senior Member Scotland Joined 5887 days ago 707 posts - 1219 votes Speaks: English* Studies: Polish | Message 10 of 12 08 December 2011 at 11:10am | IP Logged | ||
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Perhaps there is a distinction worth looking at:
1) 'A polyglot' [someone who uses many languages] 2) 'A Language Master' [someone who has reached a high level of fluency in one or more non-native languages] Becoming a polyglot doesn't necessarily imply mastery. So, is it depth (mastery) or breadth (polyglottery) you want? Or both? Your choice may depend on your requirements. So for example, if you are living abroad or your job requires that language, then mastery is preferable. On the other hand, if you want to read a wide range of world literature, travel a lot to varied places and/or just like to socialise then polyglottery is fine. I think you can do BOTH, but it'll take longer. I just want to master at least one language other than my own, maybe two. Having level C1/C2 in two languages in which I can truly appreciate the finer points of understanding and interacting, would be more satisfying than having B2 in five languages. Of course, it needn't be 'Either / Or', you could have a mix of languages; a few you have mastered and a few you are content to keep at the intermediate level. In any case, our choices tend to evolve over time as opportunities arise. So as previous posters have said, it's better to have a flexible, natural and realistic approach. 2 persons have voted this message useful | |||
 Fasulye Heptaglot Winner TAC 2012 Moderator Germany fasulyespolyglotblog Joined 5629 days ago 5460 posts - 6006 votes 1 sounds Speaks: German*, DutchC1, EnglishB2, French, Italian, Spanish, Esperanto Studies: Latin, Danish, Norwegian, Turkish Personal Language Map | Message 11 of 12 08 December 2011 at 11:10am | IP Logged | ||
Garyb, I find this a very good attitude! Then your language learning is a natural process and if you become a polyglot finally, it will be a natural result. But, if not you will also keep enjoying your language learning and using your foreign language skills. Fasulye 1 person has voted this message useful |
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