This Man Speaks 32 Different Languages

Ioannis Ikonomou works for the European Commission as a translator. It's a prestigious position, and yet it still sells him short. You see, Ioannis speaks 32 living languages. He belongs to a very small and special group of people called hyperpolyglots who have the extraordinary ability to attain fluency in many different tongues. According to Ioannis, there's no special trick or easy way to become a hyperpolyglot, but the best way to start is to boldly put yourself out there and SPEAK.

This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.

[cassmets]

when you speak british, american, australian and canadian

[apulanta]

"Bonjour."
"Your French is very good!"
"Gracias."

[Henry-wivj]

The Duolingo bird is satisfied. His family will be spared.

[szzzz-uufc]

Him: "when I was 20 I had already learned 15 languages."
Me, 18yo: *cries in native language and broken English*

[nitsky]

Plot twist: He can't actually speak 32 languages and just memorized a few phrases for the video

[KE_GB]

*DUOLINGO BIRD WANTS TO KNOW YOUR LOCATION*

[pepefrog]

I was lucky enough to meet him in person when we visited Brussels with my university department, in October of 2019. A wonderful person, I had a brief discussion with him about dead languages (Latin, Anglo-Saxon etc.)

[chris-yqbm]

What I learned:




He has a husband and is gay.

[bibin]

I said "Si" at a taco bell once

[Mikiyam]

*he is the assassin duolingo bird sends when you miss your lesson*

[icerenecake.]

Man: *Speaks 32 languages*
Google translate: alright, our job is yours now

[yoshi_drinks_tea]

The real question is...






When he thinks, what language does the voice in his head speak in?

[dineshmerchant]

"So, How many languages you can speak


"Yes"

[ArnoBrecker]

He reminds the duolingo owl to take his lessons

[dominiquesunio]

Imagine him and his husband fighting over something, and he was there slurring 32 languages all mixed up, and his husband would be like, WTF!?

[nah_taliab.]

he didn't even hesitate when saying Mandarin omg

[jaspeariv]

“yes sir he’s right there, the guy who ate the duolingo bird”

[subhanpatel]

Imagine spending your entire life trying to master one language while this dude can speak 32

[Pupot]

He's gay, travels the world, works with the UN, and knows 32 languages, my new life goal has been set

[GeeztJeez]

I mean, he still can't speak Minecraft enchantments languange so...