Some polyglot celebrities you might not know about

Today, you’ll be amazed by some polyglot celebrities and their extraordinary ability to learn new languages. In this list, we’ll explore Hollywood personalities and entertainment stars, while also delving into their backgrounds and the reasons they’ve mastered multiple languages. Some of their stories will truly surprise you!

Let’s take a quick walk down the red carpet and uncover the who’s who in the world of languages. Prepare to be inspired by the linguistic skills of some of today’s most remarkable polyglot celebrities.

What does it really mean to be a polyglot? Is it an inborn talent?

Before we dive into this fascinating journey, let’s clarify a couple of concepts that often cause confusion: what it truly means to be a polyglot and whether this skill is innate or developed over time.

While today’s focus is on polyglot celebrities, this isn’t the first time we’ve touched on the topic. Previously, we shared some tips from famous polyglots on how to learn multiple languages. In that post, we explored some of the techniques used by people who have mastered several languages. But first, let’s answer a fundamental question: What exactly is a polyglot?

Many assume that being a polyglot simply means “speaking multiple languages.” However, the reality is more nuanced.

In the field of linguistics, a polyglot is someone who can fluently speak at least four languages. This definition might seem at odds with the dictionary, which defines a polyglot as “a person who speaks several languages.” The confusion lies in the meaning of “several”—is it two, three, sixteen? Linguistics offers some clarity here:

• Monolingual: Someone who speaks only one language.
• Bilingual: Someone fluent in two languages.
• Trilingual: Someone fluent in three languages.
• Polyglot: Someone who speaks four or more languages.

Does speaking multiple languages require fluency in all aspects? Being a polyglot involves more than just speaking. Strictly speaking, academic definitions require proficiency in grammar, writing, and conversation across multiple languages. However, in practical terms, anyone who can hold a meaningful conversation in four or more languages qualifies as a polyglot.

Is polyglotism an inborn talent?

The answer is both yes and no. Biologically speaking, there are no significant differences between a monolingual and a polyglot brain. Anyone, including polyglot celebrities, can learn multiple languages. Success depends on three key factors:

• Environment: In many countries, bilingualism or trilingualism is common. People often grow up in environments where multiple languages are part of daily life, education, and cultural identity.
• Necessity: Some communities, such as certain “primitive” or “underdeveloped” tribes, are naturally polyglot due to the need to communicate with neighboring groups for survival. This linguistic skill is not always accompanied by technological or scientific advancement.
• Education: Learning multiple languages voluntarily requires dedication, cognitive effort, and discipline. This is a key factor that explains why some celebrities have achieved polyglot status.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of polyglotism, it’s time to reveal some of the most impressive multilingual stars of the moment. Brace yourself—some of these names will completely take you by surprise!

Get ready to meet today’s most surprising polyglot celebrities

Artists—whether actors, musicians, or performers—always create a buzz. And rightly so! These individuals entertain us and often touch the deepest chords of our emotions. They are people with immense talent, captivating charisma, and, above all, incredible intelligence. This intelligence, in part, explains why many are also polyglot celebrities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most remarkable ones:

Natalie Portman

If you remember her as Padmé Amidala from Star Wars, you might think she can speak all the languages of the galaxy. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Natalie “only” speaks five languages fluently: English, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Hebrew. She’s one of Hollywood’s top polyglots—not just for her beauty and talent but for so much more.

Portman graduated cum laude in Psychology from Harvard University and is one of the few celebrities with published scientific articles. She also holds three additional degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Columbia University. Natalie’s skills are as impressive as they are diverse. She learned ballet for her Oscar-winning role in Black Swan and has often stepped away from the big screen to immerse herself in her studies.

Beyond her stunning looks and action-packed roles, Natalie hasn’t stopped at five languages. She has taken classes in Latin, Russian, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Thai, Danish, Norwegian, and Greek. A woman who continues to amaze us!

Tom Hiddleston

You might harbor some resentment toward him for playing such a convincing villain in Loki, but Tom Hiddleston is one of our favorite polyglot celebrities. Not only is he an exceptional actor with a stellar career, but he also speaks four languages fluently: English, French, Spanish, and Greek. On top of that, he has an advanced understanding of five additional languages, including Latin.

Like Natalie Portman, Tom is an academic at heart. He studied at some of England’s most prestigious institutions, including Eton College and the University of Cambridge. He also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, solidifying his status as a highly skilled and versatile performer.

Shakira

Not only does Shakira move her body in ways that defy the laws of physics, but she also speaks an impressive seven languages fluently! The Colombian superstar is proficient in Spanish, English, Catalan, Portuguese, Italian, Arabic, and French. She can compose, write, and perform music in any of these languages with remarkable ease.

Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, to a family of Lebanese immigrants. At home, she grew up speaking Arabic, English, and Spanish. Her formal education introduced her to French and Italian. Later in life, after marrying Gerard Piqué, a Catalan football star, she learned Catalan while living in Barcelona and began studying Portuguese.

Known to her fans as “Shaki,” this multilingual talent has won countless Grammys, Billboards, and virtually every major music award. Her linguistic prowess is just another layer to her already impressive persona.

Édgar Ramírez

Staying in Latin America, let’s turn our attention to Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez and his exceptional language skills. Known for starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Cate Blanchett, Ramírez speaks five languages fluently: Spanish, English, French, Italian, and German.

For some of his most iconic roles, he even learned Arabic, such as when portraying the infamous terrorist in Carlos.

As a proud ambassador of the Spanish language in Hollywood, Édgar is also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Penélope Cruz

This Spanish actress is among the world’s most prominent polyglot celebrities. An Oscar nominee and winner of numerous international awards, Penélope speaks four languages fluently: Spanish, English, French, and Italian.

Her ability to learn languages stems from a strict study routine, where she dedicates hours to reading, practicing pronunciation, and expanding her vocabulary. This discipline has opened doors for her in both Hollywood and European cinema, making her a star in Spanish, French, and Italian films alike.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek needs no introduction. But what you might not know is that she’s also one of Hollywood’s top polyglot stars. The Mexican actress speaks five languages fluently: Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic. On top of that, she has been practicing Nahuatl, an indigenous Mexican language, with impressive progress.

Salma’s language skills were nurtured at home. Her father, who was born in France, taught her French and English from an early age. This foundation allowed her to break into Hollywood’s competitive market and shine on the global stage.

Viggo Mortensen

When we previously discussed how environment and upbringing can shape polyglots, Viggo Mortensen stands as a prime example. The Lord of the Rings star grew up in a family of diplomats, with his father serving as an ambassador in Venezuela and Argentina.

In Argentina, Mortensen developed a strong Buenos Aires accent, which he proudly showcases in his Spanish-language films. One of his first independent productions, Todos Tenemos un Plan, highlights his deep connection to the language.

In addition to Spanish, Viggo speaks six languages: English, Spanish, Danish, French, Norwegian, and Italian. Truly one of the world’s most remarkable polyglot celebrities.

Other multilingual stars

These seven celebrities are just the tip of the iceberg. Other stars, like Audrey Hepburn, Jodie Foster, and Freddie Highmore, also speak three or more languages fluently.

Does this make you wonder…

Can I become a polyglot without effort?

The simple answer is no—or at least, not easily. Speaking multiple languages like the polyglot celebrities we admire requires significant dedication and study. However, it’s not an impossible goal or something reserved for the global elite. Today, countless tools make learning multiple languages faster, simpler, and, most importantly, highly affordable!

Enrolling in language schools or immersive training programs are two highly recommended methods. That said, it’s entirely possible to study multiple languages on your own with the help of translation tools available on the market.

Take, for example, Talkao translation apps. With just your phone and minimal tech know-how, you can download some incredibly helpful apps. For instance, the Talkao Translate app allows you to translate into more than 125 languages in few seconds. You can also review meanings and grammar with the Talkao Dictionary, an essential resource for any language learner.

Similarly, tools like the multiple translation app can help you find meanings across several languages simultaneously. Additionally, features like augmented reality translation and the Talkao camera translator can greatly enhance your learning experience.

Published Wed, 22 January 2025