The International Association
of Hyperpolyglots
HYPIA
est. 2016
Interview with
Laura Rodzen
Name: Laura Rodzeń
Nationality or Ethnicity: Polish
Where do you live?: Gdańsk, Poland
Languages: Polish (native), English (C2), French (C1+), German (C1), Spanish (C1), Russian (B2+), Japanese (A1+), Korean
Member since:
2024-10-20
1. What’s your story? How did you get into all these languages?
I feel like languages have always been a part of my life—it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment it all began. From a young age, my parents made sure I was learning English, so it was always there in the background. I really started to appreciate its value when I participated in Erasmus+ cultural exchange programs during primary school. These exchanges allowed me to connect with pen pals from other countries and spend weeks living with host families abroad, which opened my eyes to the power and beauty of language.
Even before that, while traveling around Europe with my parents, I loved picking up simple phrases like “hello” or “thank you” in the local languages. I used to joke that I had a superpower, because I could speak Polish, my native language, and no one around me could understand it! But it was those exchanges that truly sparked my fascination with languages and showed me how they can connect people across cultures.
Later on, my mom shared her knowledge of Russian with me, and I became captivated by how similar it was to Polish. That only fueled my desire to learn more. I started studying German in school, and after hearing the French singer Zaz on the radio, I thought, “Maybe French wouldn’t be such a bad idea either.” Once I had some knowledge of French, I read that learning Spanish would be easier, so I gave that a try too.
Korean and Japanese both were meant to be my personal challenges—languages from entirely different linguistic families that offered me a fresh perspective and took me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to see how far I could push myself by learning something completely new. My journey with Japanese has only just begun, so I’m far from perfect, but it's all about embracing progress, no matter how small, as long as you stay consistent and keep learning regularly.
Little by little, languages began to fill my afternoons, and it became clear to me that this was my true calling. Now, I want to share my passion with others through my online language school, inspiring people to explore the world of languages and experience the joy they bring.
2. Which language(s) do you wish you could spend more time practising?
The language I truly wish I could spend more time practicing is Korean. I dedicated nearly two years to learning it, but my progress has slowed down, and right now I don’t have as much time to actively build on what I’ve learned. I’ve promised myself that I’ll visit Korea one day to reignite my passion and push myself to use the language more actively, as I now understand so much passively but struggle to express myself fully. I have to admit, I started learning Korean during the pandemic, when the world slowed down, and I had more time to immerse myself in its fascinating complexities. I’m really eager to pick it up again in the (hopefully near) future and dive back into this language that I’ve come to love so much!
3. What are some languages you’d like to learn in the future?
One of my next big goals is to expand my linguistic knowledge to the point where I can speak at least one language from each subdivision of the Proto-Indo-European language family. This includes languages from the Celtic, Baltic, Indo-Iranian groups, and beyond. While I feel deeply connected to the region I come from, there’s something incredibly fascinating about the shared roots and unique differences between these language groups. Each one offers its own cultural depth and linguistic intricacies, and I’m captivated by how languages evolve over time yet still retain traces of their ancient origins. I know there are a lot of languages to learn, but when learning is a passion, nothing feels impossible. All it takes is dedication, a bit of time, and a lot of heart.
But of course, my dreams don’t stop there! Another language I’m eager to dive into is Swahili. I’m particularly fascinated by how Swahili approaches grammatical gender. It has an entirely different system compared to Indo-European languages, with noun classes that go beyond simple gender distinctions, offering a fresh perspective on how language structures thought. Learning Swahili would not only open up a window into East African culture but also broaden my understanding of how different societies organize and perceive the world around them through language.
And how could I forget about the indigenous languages of the Amazon? Exploring these would be a true adventure, not just linguistically but culturally as well. These languages hold a wealth of knowledge and traditions that are completely different from what we encounter in more widely spoken tongues. Learning an indigenous Amazonian language would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with a community whose worldview is shaped by their deep connection to the environment. It would offer a whole new way of seeing the world, one grounded in ancient wisdom and local ecosystems. For me, learning these languages would be the ultimate expansion of both my linguistic and personal horizons.
In the end, language learning isn’t just about mastering vocabulary or grammar—it’s about connecting with people, cultures, and different ways of thinking. Each new language is like unlocking a door to a hidden world, rich with new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. With every language I learn, I feel like I’m adding another piece to a global puzzle, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!
4. So let’s be honest, what’s the sexiest language?
Honestly, it might sound a bit cliché, but for me, the sexiest language is 100% French. There’s just something about the way it flows—those soft, smooth sounds and the way it effortlessly glides from word to word. Even the simplest phrases sound so elegant and romantic. Plus, French has always had this association with love, art, and sophistication, which makes it even more captivating. Whether it’s in a song or a casual conversation, French just has this undeniable charm that I find irresistible.
5. What’s the greatest pleasure you get from speaking so many languages?
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than connecting with native speakers, especially in international groups, whether in more formal settings like a language course abroad or in casual environments, like meeting new friends at a concert. After just a few minutes of conversation, I often realize that I can easily communicate with each person in their native language, and their reactions are always a mix of surprise and disbelief, which makes me feel incredible. It’s such a rewarding moment, seeing their expressions light up when they hear their language being spoken.
Also, since I combine travel with languages, it often opens doors to deeper conversations with local communities and a better understanding of their culture. This ability feels like a magical key that unlocks secret knowledge. I mean, who wouldn’t love having access to that? Getting firsthand advice and discovering hidden gems feels like being let in on a world others might never experience. For example, while exploring Brittany in France, I learned about charming villages worth visiting, or in the Dominican Republic, locals pointed out places to avoid for safety reasons. I’m not limited to just one or two countries. In fact, in the set of languages I know, at least one of them is known natively or at a very high level to inhabitants of pretty much every continent.
Language also creates a sense of unity—you can feel at home in many places around the world, but also help others feel at home in your country. After all, kindness is the one thing that multiplies when shared, and we all feel joy when we can help others. As a Polish speaker of Russian, I had the chance to do just that after the war in Ukraine began, volunteering to help Russian-speaking Ukrainians understand how things work in Poland and assisting them with visits to offices. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve made someone’s life a bit easier through a simple act of communication.
In short, the more languages you know, the more amazing communities you can connect with. For me, there’s no better way to communicate than by taking the initiative and speaking to people in their native language. It brings not only pleasure but also so much joy and a great sense of satisfaction for all the hard work put into learning those languages.
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?
While it’s true that we can’t save every language from disappearing, I don’t believe we’ll end up with only a few in 100 years. In fact, I think the opposite is happening—people, including but not limited the linguistic circle, are increasingly valuing and protecting languages, especially smaller, regional ones. There’s a growing awareness of the importance of preserving cultural identity, and many communities are actively working to revive and sustain their native languages. Personally, I find learning lesser-known languages fascinating—it offers a connection to unique traditions and perspectives. With more people sharing this interest, and technology aiding preservation efforts, I’m hopeful that many languages will thrive in the future.
7. What is your message to young (and not so young) people out there who are interested in studying multiple languages?
My message to anyone, young or not-so-young, who’s interested in studying multiple languages is simple: go for it! Like I already mentioned, learning languages opens up so many doors, both culturally and personally. It’s not just about mastering vocabulary or grammar; it’s about connecting with people, unlocking new perspectives, and experiencing the world in ways you never could otherwise. Every language you learn adds a new layer to your understanding of the world, and it allows you to tap into different ways of thinking, feeling, and living.
And here’s something important: follow your heart. Learn the languages that fascinate you, not the ones you feel pressured to study. Even if they’re not the most popular or widely spoken, the joy of learning a language you’re passionate about is incomparable. When you’re genuinely curious and captivated by a language, the process of learning becomes enjoyable and fulfilling.
Don't let the idea of difficulty hold you back. Sure, it takes dedication, time, and effort, but when you’re passionate about it, the process becomes enjoyable and incredibly rewarding. The more you learn, the more you’ll discover that the world is full of fascinating similarities and beautiful differences. And remember, it’s never too late to start—whether you’re young or just young at heart, it’s always the right time to dive into a new language.
There’s something magical about being able to communicate with someone in their native tongue. It breaks down barriers and brings people closer in ways that go beyond words. Whether it’s speaking with locals while traveling, helping someone feel at home in your country, or simply enjoying the beauty of a language in its purest form, the benefits of language learning go far beyond practical communication.
So, to anyone thinking about studying multiple languages: embrace the challenge, stay curious, and never stop learning. You’ll be amazed at how much joy, understanding, and connection it brings into your life. Plus, the satisfaction that comes from mastering a new language is unlike anything else—it’s truly worth every bit of effort you put into it.