As someone who grew up in Norway, Norwegian has always been my mother tongue. Alongside it, English naturally became a part of my life through school and everyday use, allowing me to maintain a high level of proficiency without much deliberate effort. However, it was only as an adult that I ventured into learning other languages, which has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with this pursuit.
My Journey with Italian and French
Nine years ago, I began learning Italian. Like many adult language learners, my commitment was not constant; there were periods of intense study and times when life demanded my focus elsewhere. Despite the ups and downs, I gradually reached a B2 level in Italian—a milestone that marked a solid command of the language. This summer, I embarked on learning French, fully aware of the time and dedication it would require.
What Defines a Polyglot?
In my view, a true polyglot is someone who can speak at least four languages with reasonable fluency, which I define as reaching at least a B2 level. This definition emphasizes not just the ability to communicate in multiple languages but to do so with a depth of understanding and fluency that allows for meaningful interaction. For more on why I believe this is the right definition, you can read my detailed thoughts here.
Balancing the Old and the New
With French now in the mix, I’m aiming to reach a B2 level within the next two years. But here's the catch: while I’m pushing forward with French, I also need to maintain my Italian. This balancing act is not easy. The more languages you know, the more time you need to invest in keeping them alive in your mind. Without regular practice, even a language you once knew well can fade surprisingly quickly.
The Importance of Motivation: What’s Your Why?
Before deciding to take on a new language, it's crucial to understand your motivation. Learning a language requires a significant investment of time and energy, so you need a strong "why" to sustain you through the inevitable challenges. Ask yourself: Why do I want to learn this language? What do I hope to achieve? Without a compelling reason, the effort required to reach fluency may become overwhelming.
The Time Commitment
Learning a new language is a long-term commitment. As I’ve explored in another post, even with a dedicated schedule of 5 hours per week, reaching a B2 level in a Category I language like Italian, French, or Norwegian can take approximately 2.5 years. This reality check is essential for anyone considering adding another language to their repertoire. For a deeper dive into the time required to learn a new language, you can refer to my post here.
Is Four Languages Enough?
If I succeed with French, I’ll have four languages at a B2 level or better. At that point, the question becomes: Do I want to learn a fifth language? Part of me is tempted—there’s always another language that beckons. However, I also recognize the immense satisfaction that comes with mastering four languages. After all, only about 3% of the world's population speaks four languages fluently, and just 1% can claim proficiency in five or more.
A Practical Limit
For most people, learning and maintaining four to five languages is more than sufficient. It’s not just about adding another notch on the belt; it’s about enjoying and using the languages you’ve already invested so much time and energy into learning. Each additional language requires not only the initial effort to learn but also the ongoing commitment to keep it active in your daily life.
Conclusion: Quality Over Quantity
While the idea of being a polyglot with five or more languages is appealing, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the practicalities. For many, mastering and maintaining four languages is a more realistic and fulfilling goal. It allows for deep cultural immersion and fluency that enriches your life, without the overwhelming pressure of juggling too many languages at once.
In the end, language learning should be a source of joy and personal growth, not a race to collect as many languages as possible. If you’re like me and enjoy the challenge, four or five languages can offer a lifetime of linguistic and cultural exploration.