1. What’s your story? How did you get into all these languages?

During my master’s studies at university, I developed a great friendship with my Statistics professor. We often worked out together in the campus gym, and during one of our conversations I asked him a question that, looking back, feels surprising and almost strange to me: Are people everywhere biologically the same? Do races exist in a scientific sense? Are some groups inherently more aggressive than others?

He answered very clearly: No, there are no separate races. There is only one human race. Cultures simply offer different solutions to the same human problems. That’s the only real difference.

His words stayed with me. Not long after, I decided to explore this question myself and move abroad after finishing my degree. Even six months before leaving, I had already begun preparing by watching Spanish series and learning as many words as I could. I didn’t know the best methods yet, but I managed to reach a basic level before moving to Sevilla. Once in Sevilla, I spent a couple of months studying in a language school. At home, I immersed myself completely, listening, reading, studying grammar, and speaking with people whenever I had the chance. I would easily dedicate ten hours a day to learning Spanish. 

Then one day, a moment changed everything: I suddenly understood a woman speaking on the bus. I was captivated by the realization that I could enter their world and understand what they were talking about. From that moment on, I

was hooked on language learning. Many languages would follow.

2. Which language(s) do you wish you could spend more time practising?

I would like to spend more time with Turkish since I am not completely fluent yet. It feels like a gateway to the Middle East, the region that has captivated me for as long as I can remember. I’m not exactly sure why, but even as a child I felt drawn to that part of the world. Some of my earliest memories are connected to it: Rambo III, set during the Soviet–Afghan War; Disney’s Aladdin; the old Prince of Persia video game; and various stories about the ancient Middle East. All of these sparked my imagination and made the region feel mysterious and exciting.

It became clear to me early on that I wanted to learn a language from this part of the world. I chose Turkish first, not only because Turkey was a major regional power for centuries through the Ottoman Empire, but also because Istanbul remains an important hub today, offering connections cultural, historical, and geographical to the wider Middle East.

3. What are some languages you’d like to learn in the future?

 - Russian. I want to learn Russian because of my interest in international relations. Alongside English and French, it is one of the key diplomatic languages. It also offers an alternative perspective to the Western-dominated global system, which makes it incredibly valuable and fascinating. Russia has a rich and complex culture, and it remains a significant political and military power with considerable global influence. I also find the Cyrillic alphabet beautiful. And, I have to admit, the world of Russian intelligence and Cold War history has always intrigued me, it’s my favourite historical period. 

 - Persian. My fascination with Persian comes from my long-standing interest in the Middle East, as I mentioned earlier. Iran is one of the few independent powers in the region, which gives it a unique role and perspective. Learning Persian would open a window into a culture and history that I find deeply captivating.

 - Ancient Greek. I started with Ancient Greek last year at Oxford University, but I am far from fluent unfortunately. I do often read ancient primary sources in English to better understandthe ancient world, and I would love to experience them in their original form. Ancient Greek would allow me to learn a “vertical” language, one that goes back in time, rather than another modern “horizontal” one. The ancients faced many of the same human problems we do today, and their ideas and solutions remain insightful. Reading these texts without relying on a translation, and its inevitable biases, would be incredibly rewarding.

 - Italian. What can I say? Italian is the language of beauty, of life, of elegance. I even proposed to my wife in Rome for that very reason. The city’s history and aesthetics are unmatched, and being able to communicate in Italian would make the experience even richer. Fortunately, it should be easier for me to learn since I already speak several other Roman languages. I look forward to studying it someday.

4. So let’s be honest, which language has the most charm for you?

French holds the most charm for me. Beyond its role as a language of international relations, I feel a strong personal connection to the francophone world. I love the culture , the coffee, croissants, and baguettes at breakfast, the lively political talk shows, and the rich cinematic history; after all, France is where film was born.

I admire the style and elegance of the French people, and Paris, my favourite city, embodies so much of what I enjoy. I also appreciate the vibrant Middle Eastern and African community in France, which connects to another of my passions. The language itself is beautiful and musical, and I adore the classic French songs. The south of France, with its beaches and charm, is equally captivating.

French also resonates with my interests in history and art. The Louvre, one of the world’s greatest museums, offers unparalleled insights into ancient Middle Eastern cultures, which fascinates me. The culture, the history, and the elegance of France combine to make the French language incredibly captivating in my eyes.

5. What’s the greatest pleasure you get from speaking so many languages?

For me, the greatest pleasure of speaking multiple languages is the ability to understand international relations from the inside. How countries interact, negotiate, and influence one another has always fascinated me. Language learning feeds directly into this passion. I love being able to access different cultures through their own words and perspectives. The highest political games are played at the national and international level, and languages allow me to follow these dynamics more closely. They give me the ability to read local news, follow conflicts, understand economies, and observe societies as an insider rather than an outsider. In many ways, languages give me a specialist’s lens through which to view the world and that is incredibly rewarding.

6. Some people say the world is really just going to have a few languages left in a 100 years, do you think this is really true?

I don’t think the world will end up with only a handful of languages in the next hundred years. Language is far more than a tool for communication, it is a core part of identity. People naturally seek belonging, and language is one of the most powerful markers of who is “in” and who is “out” of a community. It ties individuals to their history, their culture, and their sense of home. While global languages like English, Spanish, or Mandarin will continue to grow, local and regional languages won’t simply disappear. In fact, we often see the opposite: when people feel their identity is threatened, they actively revive, protect, and promote their language. This has happened with languages like Welsh, Basque, Maori, and Hebrew, and similar revitalisation movements are emerging worldwide. Human beings don’t want a world where everyone sounds the same. Languages carry stories, memories, values, and ways of thinking that can’t be replaced. So although some languages may become more dominant, I believe linguistic diversity will remain, because the human desire for identity, belonging, and cultural pride is far stronger than the forces pushing toward uniformity.

7. What is your message to young (and not so young) people out there who are interested in studying multiple languages?

To young people, I would say this: you’re at the perfect moment to begin. Start now, and you’ll have your whole life to enjoy the languages you learn. Every new word, every new insight, will stay with you for decades to come.

And to those who are not so young: it is never too late. I became serious about language learning at 24, and I quickly discovered that the idea of being “too old” is a myth. What truly matters is dedication, good habits, and a willingness to enjoy the process. Learning a language takes time, often a few years, but the journey is incredibly rewarding at any age.