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?
(你会说几种语言？对于大多数人来说，学习一门外语可能很难。Lydia Machova是一名斯洛伐克通晓多门语言的人并且还是语言导师，目前精通七门外语，她说她喜欢每两年学习一门新语言！那么，像莉迪亚这样的通晓多门语言是如何成功学习的，我们能从他们的方法中学到什么呢？)
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.
(Lydia想了解通晓多门语言的人使用的不同技术，她发现了各种各样的方法。有些人使用语言交换应用程序来寻找母语人士，这样他们就可以从一开始就开口说话。其他人观看他们喜欢的带有字幕的连续剧，有些人使用“影子”等技巧——听和重复学习的语言来掌握发音。语言学家克拉申（Krashen）将加藤·隆（Kato Lomb）称为“可能是世界上最有成就的通晓多门语言的人”。她是匈牙利人，会说16种语言！她的学习方法侧重于泛读和自学。因此，尽管有很多不同的方法，在2019年的TED演讲中，Lydia得出结论，通晓多门语言的人的一个共同点是学习的兴趣和动力。)
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. He discusses having varying levels of proficiency in the languages he speaks, from basic conversation to near-native fluency.
(然而，一些语言学家认为，显示多语言者在语言之间切换的病毒视频通常依赖于记忆短语，而不是证明真正的会话能力。Benny Lewis是Fluent in 3 Months网站的作者和创建者，他认为对一门语言的能力持开放和诚实的态度很重要。他谈到，从基本的对话到近乎母语的流利程度，他所说的语言的熟练程度各不相同。)
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!
(所以，专业人士说，在学习时要享受学习的乐趣。我们建议您尝试其中的一些建议，找到适合您的方法并坚持下去！）