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Hard: Upper intermediate level and above, B2 and above 

Introduction

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1      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?

2     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.

3     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.

4  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!

Questions

1.   Choose the best summary for the article.

a. Polyglots are naturally gifted and do not need to study languages.
b. Polyglots succeed by staying motivated and using methods they enjoy.
c. Speaking many languages proves complete fluency in every language.

2.    Choose the correct option based on the content of the article.

1. How many languages is Lydia Machova fluent in?
a. 5
b. 6
c. 7

2. What is 'shadowing'?
a. Listening to and repeating the target language to improve pronunciation.
b. Translating texts into your native language
c. Writing vocabulary lists every day

3. What technique did Kato Lomb use to learn languages?
a. Language exchange apps
b. Reading and self-study
c. Watching TV series with subtitles

4. Why do some linguists criticise some viral videos of polyglots?
a. Because the videos are too long.
b. Because they may rely on memorised phrases rather than genuine conversational ability.
c. Because the speakers use incorrect grammar.

5. Benny Lewis says it's important to be competent in a language.
a. True
b. False
c. Not given

3.    Use the words from the list to complete the summary of the article.

Lydia Machova is a 1) ________ who is 2) ________ in several languages, and she found that successful language learners use different methods, but all have strong motivation, work towards 3) ________, and 4) ________ the method that helps them 5) ________ a language.

fluent
master
native
polyglot
proficiency
stick to
traget language

Vocabulary 

polyglot
a person who can speak several languages

fluent
able to speak a language easily and accurately

language exchange
a conversation with someone where you practise each other's languages

native
belonging to the country or language where someone was born

target language
the language a person is trying to learn

master
to learn or become very skilled at something

accomplished
very skilled or talented

extensive
large in amount or covering a wide area

memorised
learned so that it can be recalled from memory

ability
the skill to do something

competency
the level of skill needed to do something successfully

proficiency
a high degree of skill in something, especially a language

stick to
continue doing something and not give up

Answers

1.    Choose the best summary for the article.

b. Polyglots succeed by staying motivated and using methods they enjoy.

2.    Choose the correct option based on the content of the article. 

1. c.Lydia Machova, a Slovakian polyglot and language mentor, is currently fluent in seven foreign languages.

2. a.Others watch series they love with subtitles, and some use techniques like 'shadowing' – listening to and repeating target language to master pronunciation.

3. b.Her approach to learning focussed on extensive reading and self-study.

4. b.However, some linguists argue that viral videos showing polyglots switching between languages often rely on memorised phrases rather than proving genuine conversational ability.

5. b. False.Benny Lewis... thinks it's important to be open and honest about your competency in a language.

3.    Use the words from the list to complete the summary of the article.

Lydia Machova is a polyglot who is fluent in several languages, and she found that successful language learners use different methods, but all have strong motivation, work towards proficiency, and stick to the method that helps them master a language.

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