hyperpolyglot
Speaks many tongues
A hyperpolyglot is someone who speaks an unusually large number of languages—typically six or more, though the threshold varies.
The term distinguishes exceptional language learners from ordinary polyglots, who might speak three or four: She's a hyperpolyglot who's fluent in eleven languages.
The word often appears in discussions of language acquisition and cognitive ability.
Expert in languages
- translatorOne who renders between languages
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
- bilingualSpeaking two languages
- trilingualSpeaking three languages
quadrilingual · grammarian · philologist · lexicographer · native-speaker · diplomat · globetrotter · expat
Smooth linguistic command
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- translationConverting between languages
- code-switchingAlternating between linguistic varieties
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
dialogue · conversation · miscommunication · nonverbal · accent · pronunciation · articulation · intonation
Rules for arranging words
- semanticsStudy of linguistic meaning
- phonologyScience of language sounds
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
- grammarLanguage's structural rules
vocabulary · etymology · pragmatics · phonetics · lexicon · cognates · tones · declension
Mind's retention capacity
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
learning · focus · discipline · dedication · aptitude · intelligence · curiosity · immersion
linguist
Expert in languages
- translatorOne who renders between languages
- interpreterOne who conveys meaning between languages
- bilingualSpeaking two languages
trilingual · quadrilingual · grammarian · philologist · lexicographer · native-speaker · diplomat · globetrotter · expat · multicultural
fluency
Smooth linguistic command
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- translationConverting between languages
- code-switchingAlternating between linguistic varieties
cross-cultural · dialogue · conversation · miscommunication · nonverbal · accent · pronunciation · articulation · intonation · expression
syntax
Rules for arranging words
- semanticsStudy of linguistic meaning
- phonologyScience of language sounds
- morphologyStudy of structural forms
grammar · vocabulary · etymology · pragmatics · phonetics · lexicon · cognates · tones · declension · conjugation
memory
Mind's retention capacity
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- retentionContinued holding or possession
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
comprehension · learning · focus · discipline · dedication · aptitude · intelligence · curiosity · immersion · mnemonics