polyglots
Speakers of many
Polyglots are people who speak or use several languages fluently.
The term suggests more than bilingual—typically three or more languages with genuine proficiency: As polyglots, they switched effortlessly between Spanish, French, and Arabic.
The word can also describe texts written in multiple languages, as in a polyglot Bible with parallel translations.
Spoken exchange between parties
- converseEngage in dialogue
- interlocutorOne who converses
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- discourseFormal communication on subjects
eloquence · articulation · exchange · vernacular · idioms · dialects · native-speaker · conversation
Multiple language proficiency
- bilingualismProficiency in two languages
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
- code-switchingAlternating between linguistic varieties
proficiency · aptitude · memory · neurolinguistics · immersion · retention
One knowing many languages
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- philologistScholar of language history
- polymathMulti-domain expert
- autodidactOne who teaches themselves
Assigned meaning
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- subtitlingAdding translated screen text
- dubbingPost-production sound replacement
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
glossary · equivalence · adaptation · contextualization · translator
Frequent international voyager
- wanderlustCraving for distant places
- expatriateOne living abroad permanently
- nomadHomeless wanderer by choice
- jet-setterWealthy frequent traveler
explorer · backpacking · sojourner · tourism · international · cosmopolitan · worldly · abroad
dialogue
Spoken exchange between parties
- converseEngage in dialogue
- interlocutorOne who converses
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
discourse · eloquence · articulation · exchange · vernacular · idioms · dialects · native-speaker · conversation · fluency
multilingualism
Multiple language proficiency
- bilingualismProficiency in two languages
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
code-switching · proficiency · aptitude · memory · neurolinguistics · immersion · retention
hyperpolyglot
One knowing many languages
- multilingualKnowing multiple languages
- philologistScholar of language history
- polymathMulti-domain expert
interpretation
Assigned meaning
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- subtitlingAdding translated screen text
- dubbingPost-production sound replacement
transcription · glossary · equivalence · adaptation · contextualization · translator
globetrotter
Frequent international voyager
- wanderlustCraving for distant places
- expatriateOne living abroad permanently
- nomadHomeless wanderer by choice
jet-setter · explorer · backpacking · sojourner · tourism · international · cosmopolitan · worldly · abroad · phrasebook
- multilingual communitiescode-switching, heritage speakers, ethnic enclaves, Chinatown, Koreatown
- language learnersbeginner, beginners, intermediate, advanced learner, advanced learners
- ancient languagesLatin, Greek, Sanskrit, Ancient Greek, Aramaic
- intellectualsscholar, intellectual, academic, thinker, philosopher
- word loverslogophile, logophiles, word nerd, word nerds, wordsmith
- Global Cityskyscrapers, subway, airports, embassies, transit hubs