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

My journey through languages feels like an exploration of different worlds, each unveiling a new layer of my own identity. Being Amazigh from Morocco meant I grew up speaking Amazigh at home, a language deeply tied to my heritage and sense of pride. But outside, Arabic was the lingua franca, shaping my interactions with the broader community and giving me access to a wealth of cultural expressions. French, the language of education, arrived early in school, formal yet elegant. I became a juggler of languages, each serving its own purpose and opening its own doors.

English, however, came into my life through an unexpected medium—pop culture. I devoured Hollywood movies and hip-hop tracks, their rhythms and dialogues drawing me in. With each film watched and lyric understood, I felt a rush of empowerment. English transformed from a distant, utilitarian tool into a living, breathing companion that helped me connect with global narratives and eventually express myself in ways my school-taught languages hadn’t.

When the pandemic forced us all into isolation, I sought out the sound of another language: Spanish. It was like learning to dance, vibrant and expressive, and it carried with it the colors and warmth of Latin America. The people I met through this language turned it into more than just a skill—it became a bridge to friendships that spanned oceans.

Then, in 2022, German entered my life not as a choice of passion but as a necessity. I needed it to travel to Germany. Yet, as I threw myself into mastering the language, I discovered its poetic depth. Authors like Kafka and Hesse made me fall in love with its intricacies. I devised an intensive protocol using spaced repetition systems like Anki, the Assimil method, and daily immersion through German literature and media. Reaching C1 level in just 9 months was not merely an achievement—it was a testament to the beauty of focused discipline.

But every step forward revealed new horizons. The more I learned, the more I realized the infinite nature of language. I saw that language was more than just words—it was a reflection of history, thought patterns, and unique worldviews. Now, I’m learning Italian and Dutch for the sheer joy of it, and I plan to resume my Chinese studies. Chinese feels like an unfinished chapter, a language that beckons me back to its tonal melodies and complex script. Each new language enriches my world, adding layers of understanding and bringing me closer to the shared humanity that ties us all.

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

If I could, I’d dedicate more time to Chinese. I began exploring its complexities during quarantine, and its characters felt like puzzles with hidden meanings, each stroke carrying centuries of history. But college commitments interrupted my studies, leaving me yearning to return. Mandarin is a language that demands patience and perseverance, yet every step of progress is profoundly rewarding. I can almost hear its lyrical tones calling me back, waiting for the day when I can delve deeper into its rich culture and poetic expressions.

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

Beyond Chinese, I’m drawn to Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean. Japanese has a unique allure, blending simplicity and sophistication, with its artful kanji and the serene cadence of its speech. It’s a language that feels almost like a meditation—calm, deliberate, and reflective. Portuguese, on the other hand, is full of passion and melody, a harmonious blend of familiar Spanish influences and something distinctly its own, evoking samba rhythms and coastal breezes. Korean fascinates me with its logical structure, rhythmic sound, and vibrant pop culture that captures global attention. Learning these would add new, vibrant tones to the symphony of my linguistic repertoire.

4. So let’s be honest, what’s the sexiest language?

For me, the answer has to be Spanish. There’s something about the way it rolls off the tongue—fluid, rhythmic, and full of emotion. It’s a language that moves, dances, and sings. Whether it’s in poetry, a heated debate, or a casual conversation, Spanish carries a raw passion that captivates and enchants. Every word feels alive, infused with a zest for life that makes it utterly irresistible.

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

The greatest pleasure is the ability to inhabit different worlds, to switch perspectives, and to understand the untranslatable essence of each culture. It’s not just about communicating; it’s about feeling at home in various realities. When I speak Spanish, I feel like I’m part of a family that’s spread across continents. In German, I touch a deep, introspective intellectualism that reshapes how I think. Each language lets me taste different flavors of humanity. It’s this constant enrichment—this evolving ability to see beauty through multiple lenses—that makes the journey worthwhile.

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

I hope that’s not our fate. While globalization pushes dominant languages like English, Mandarin, and Spanish to the forefront, languages are more than just means of communication—they are vessels of identity and history. The survival of smaller languages depends on communities valuing them and passing them on to the next generation. I see it with my native Amazigh. Though not widely spoken, it’s a source of pride and a testament to resilience. I believe that as long as there are people who cherish the stories and songs tied to their languages, they will endure.

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

Be curious, be humble, and embrace the unknown. Language learning is a journey of transformation. It’s not about perfection or speed but about the richness you gain with every small step. When you start a new language, you’re like a child again—vulnerable and open, seeing the world with fresh eyes. Embrace the mistakes, for they are signs of growth. Dive into the culture, the music, the food, and let yourself fall in love with not just the language but the people behind it. Every language you learn adds a new voice to your soul, a new way of seeing the world. Remember, the more you learn, the more you realize how much you have yet to discover. Enjoy the journey for what it is: a chance to connect with humanity in all its beautiful diversity.