“Polyglot” 的意思是 “通晓多国语言的人”。你知道他们都有哪些学习语言的窍门吗？有的人认为，能通晓多国语言的人通常对语言学习抱有很强的动力和兴趣；还有人发现，他们中的一些人会从尝试用口语和他人对话开始学习一门新语言。本文讨论 “polyglot” 学习语言的方法有哪些优点和劣势。
词汇：language learning 语言学习
How many languages do you speak? For most people, it can be hard learning just one foreign language. Lydia Machova, a Slovakian polyglot and language mentor, is currently fluent in seven foreign languages and says she likes to learn a new language every two years! So how do polyglots like Lydia learn multiple languages successfully, and what can we learn from their methods?
Lydia wanted to find out the different techniques polyglots use, and she found a wide variety of methods. Some use language exchange apps to find native speakers so that they can start speaking from day one. Others watch series they love with subtitles, and some use techniques like 'shadowing' – listening to and repeating target language to master pronunciation. Kato Lomb was described by the linguist Krashen as "possibly the most accomplished polyglot in the world". She was a Hungarian who spoke 16 languages! Her approach to learning focussed on extensive reading and self-study. So, while there are lots of different approaches, in her 2019 TED Talk, Lydia concluded that the one thing polyglots all have in common is an interest and motivation to learn.
However, some linguists argue that viral videos showing polyglots switching between languages often rely on memorised phrases rather than proving genuine conversational ability. Benny Lewis, author and creator of the website Fluent in 3 Months, thinks it's important to be open and honest about your competency in a language. Hediscusses having varying levels of proficiency in the languages he speaks, from basic conversation to near-native fluency.
So, the professionals say enjoy yourself when learning. We recommend you try some of these suggestions, find the right method for you and stick to it!
词汇表
foreign language 外语，母语以外的语言
polyglot 通晓多种语言的人
fluent 流利的
language exchange 语言交流
native 母语的
subtitle 字幕
target language 目标语言
master 熟练掌握，精通
pronunciation 发音
linguist 语言学家
accomplished 成功的，优秀的
extensive reading 广泛阅读，大量阅读
motivation 动力，干劲
memorised phrase 死记硬背的短语
conversational ability 口语会话能力
competency 能力
proficiency 熟练程度
stick to 坚持做
测验与练习
1. 阅读课文并回答问题。
1. How many languages is Lydia Machova fluent in?
2. What is 'shadowing'?
3. What technique did Kato Lomb use to learn languages?
4. Why do some linguists criticise some viral videos of polyglots?
5. True or False? Benny Lewis says it's important to be competent in a language.
2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。
1. I like to practise Chinese with my friend Bo because he's a _______ speaker.
student linguist native chef
2. My main _______ for learning French is my in-laws – they can’t speak English!
pronunciation motivation competency proficiency
3. My teacher said _______ reading is effective, so now I read novels in English.
memorised extensive conversational target
4. Many people use regular practice to _______ the verb tenses.
stick to master accomplish rely on
5. The rules of the game are very _______. Press X to go and Y to stop. That's it!
fluent accomplished basic foreign
答案
1. 阅读课文并回答问题。
1. How many languages is Lydia Machova fluent in?
Lydia Machova is currently fluent in seven foreign languages.
2. What is 'shadowing'?
Shadowing is listening to and repeating target language to master pronunciation.
3. What technique did Kato Lomb use to learn languages?
Kato Lomb's approach to learning focussed on extensive reading and self-study.
4. Why do some linguists criticise some viral videos of polyglots?
Because some linguists think that viral videos showing polyglots switching between languages often rely on memorised phrases rather than proving genuine conversational ability.
5. True or False? Benny Lewis says it's important to be competent in a language.
False. Benny Lewis thinks it's important to be open and honest about your competency in a language.
2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。
1. I like to practise Chinese with my friend Bo because he's a native speaker.
2. My main motivation for learning French is my in-laws – they can't speak English!
3. My teacher said extensive reading is effective, so now I read novels in English.
4. Many people use regular practice to master the verb tenses.
5. The rules of the game are very basic. Press X to go and Y to stop. That's it!