A polyglot is a term used to refer to an individual who depicts the proficiency in speaking, writing and reading in several or more languages. Due to globalisation, a huge number of people seek to learn different foreign languages to increase their scope of interactions in a multilingual world (Jack, 2004). Learning foreign languages is challenging in regards to money and time, thus, its importance cannot be underestimated. Human beings bear the capability of learning new languages which significantly improves their communication with other human beings. The massive dependency on language in conveying information means that being a polyglot accords one the opportunity to use different languages while encountering people from different communication and social backgrounds (Carneiro and Schmelmer, 2016). From existing literature, it has been established that people actually never learn certain languages concurrently right from childhood. In fact, the acquisition of different languages takes place within different time periods, under different environmental settings, and with different motivation. With the different languages acquired, an individual not only gains the ability to communicate in different settings, but also results in adoption of different cultural identities hence leading to multiculturalism. As such, it is necessary to explore the importance of being polyglot in the context of globalisation.
Literature Review
Having multilingual competencies enhances one’s interactions and communication in a multilingual society. Studies relating to language acquisition and gaining competencies in at least two languages depict differences among the individuals’ characteristics, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Due to the multidimensional approach in developing competence in different languages, polyglots manage to integrate different language competencies in enhancing their communication. Research by Limberger and Buchweitz (2014) shows that communicators with multilingual competencies depict characteristics that differentiate them from monolinguals, especially in communication. In modern times, language studies take place while considering the ethics, values, and subjective requirements realised from communication. Therefore, important insights regarding the person/people as communicating entities in light of the conditioning gained from cultural settings gains significant attention among language enthusiasts.
With proper cultural conditioning, communication comes with relative ease among polyglots, even when placed in multicultural settings. In maintaining proper relationships, polyglots behave and communicate differently when handling different individuals from different cultures, an aspect that is enhanced by being multicultural (Adejunmobi, 2004). For instance, polyglots identify the needs of individuals from collectivist cultures hence avoid directly expressing negative emotions. As regards individuals from individualist cultures, the polyglot is able to directly air their perspective without fear of backlash. Furthermore, the ability to relate with the concept of subjectivity makes it possible for polyglots to cope with the contextual differences through conscious rational acts.
Research Question
What effect does being multilingual have on the attitudes of polyglots towards cultural diversity?
Procedure/Methodology
The research made use of secondary sources, meaning that findings from already existing literature formed the basis of obtaining findings for the research. Due to the wide range of sources on the importance of being polyglot, emphasis was on the materials specifically addressing multilingual advantages in the context of a multicultural setting. Furthermore, the secondary sources chosen had to be the most relevant to ensure reliable results. The last criterion on obtaining the secondary sources was in terms of recency where the most recent sources formed part of the body of evidence.
Findings
It was found that being polyglot transcends the immediate benefits of communicating in different languages. Notably, the success of different global activities is affected by differences in culture and language of communication. This implies that the success of such activities relies hugely on the ability to recognise and ensure equilibrium among various languages as well as cultures (Jack, 2004). This indicates that in cases where a multilingual culture is accepted, the outcome is more likely to be constructive rather than destructive (Limberger and Buchweitz, 2014). Although there has been significant interest in focusing the adaptation of the individuals to the norms and behaviours of different cultures, normative integration is more effective as a means of exposing the various individuals. It was also established that with the continual expansion of companies worldwide to cover global markets, a multicultural workforce is inevitable hence the importance of being polyglot to successfully overcome language barriers (Limberger and Buchweitz, 2014). Moreover, the growing popularity and advancements in technology have enabled easier learning of foreign languages and acquiring communication capabilities thus increasing the likelihood of interactions among individuals from different cultural affiliations.
It was also established that being polyglot eliminates barriers that affect associations among people from different backgrounds. Where a multicultural group is engaged in activities, a considerable risk of cultural barriers exists and often results in the formation of in-groups that result in engagement of counterproductive activities aiming at benefitting individuals from their in-group. Similarly, studies showed that being polyglot enhances the processes of thought as well as intellectual procedures through engaging in conversations in different languages that require different approaches in communication.
Discussion of findings
Being multilingual draws on the fundamental idea that everyone is individual and the differences are less than the similarities among individuals. In fact, the ideas, beliefs that various individuals hold such as religious, political, and traditions rely on communication to convey them to people from different cultural backgrounds (Wąsik, 2015). Most of the differences that stem among people arise from individual characteristics and cultural background, which makes language extremely necessary. In ensuring maximum utilisation of multilingual persons, the environment has to be healthy in a way that everyone has a specific place and role in the business as per their personal qualifications (Carneiro and Schmelmer, 2016). This means that a polyglot in a workforce is essential in collaborative participation across varied cultures resulting in a meaningful achievement for everyone and the organisation at large.
There are many benefits and advantages of a being a polyglot within an organisation. To begin with, there are varied competencies that polyglots bring to the organisation that can be used as a competitive advantage (Sun, Sallahuddin, and Kaur, 2016). As aforementioned, learning different languages results in multiculturalism, which enhances operations. Individuals from different cultures hold different values that directly implicate on their ways of working and the areas that are valuable to them thus putting greater effort on the areas they are best in (Wąsik, 2015). Therefore, people from different nations serve as the source of unique competencies that are very much needed in global organisations. The incipient challenge is on identifying ways in which the varied cultures could offer benefits in terms of functional specialisation, technical capabilities, and orientation of time. Once identified, an organisation will have no need for being constrained by the advantages of one cultural organisation or the drawbacks of another cultural orientation since both complement each other in their complexities and diversities (Sun, Sallahuddin, and Kaur, 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, being a polyglot bestows numerous advantages to an organisation and is much needed due to the demands of this dynamic world. Apart from proficiency in languages, polyglots manage to identify with different cultures and promote multiculturalism. They also gain intellectually from the challenges of conversing in different languages with fundamental differences in their approach to communication. As such, being polyglot comes with immense advantages that help not only the individual but also enhance integration among people.
References
Adejunmobi, M., 2004. Polyglots, vernaculars and global markets: variable trends in West Africa. Language and Intercultural Communication, 4(3), pp.159-174.
Carneiro, C. and Schmelmer, T., 2016. Polyglot services. In Microservices From Day One (pp. 177-184). Berkeley, CA: Apress.
Jack, G., 2004. Language (s), intercultural communication and the machinations of global capital: towards a dialectical critique. Language and Intercultural Communication, 4(3), pp.121-133.
Limberger, B.K. and Buchweitz, A., 2014. The effects of bilingualism and multilingualism on executive functions. Fórum Lingüístico, 11(3).
Sun, M.H., Sallahuddin, M.A. and Kaur, M., 2016. To what extent do the benefits of multilingualism outweigh its disadvantages?.
Wąsik, E.M., 2015. The polyglot self in the semiotic spheres of language and culture. Sign Systems Studies, 43(2/3), pp.207-225.
Reflective Statement
Throughout the process of writing this assignment, it was possible to gain more insights on using secondary sources. In as much as it was not the first assignment of its kind, the experience was totally insightful and informative. In structuring and following the research approach provided, I felt the need to understand each step as it will prove much useful in the future. As regards previous feedback, I made use of comments on structure and referencing to improve the overall paper. In the future, I intend to use the research structure provided as it offers the needed guidance in the research process.
