The International Association
of Hyperpolyglots
HYPIA
est. 2016
Interview with
Pritha Mukherjee
Name: Pritha Mukherjee
Nationality or Ethnicity: Indian (Bengali)
Where do you live?: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Languages: Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, German, Japanese and Russian.
Member since:
2024-11-13
1. What’s your story? How did you get into all these languages?
I developed the interest of learning the languages since my childhood. I was always fascinated with languages and I could score very well. During my summer vacations, when I was in grade 11, I tried my hands in learning foreign languages such as French and German and I could discover that I am good at it and I have the capability to keep learning and exploring the other languages too. Gradually, I shifted towards the Asian languages and during the pandemics I tried mastering manner and Chinese and Japanese and that approve beneficial to me I am still in the quest of pursuing MA in French and Russian along with my 4th year diploma in Russian not to forget the international exams of all the above-mentioned languages as well. To summarise, my parents have also motivated me to try learning languages as they were equally good in it and the success and motivation kept me going to explore more and more.
2. Which language(s) do you wish you could spend more time practising?
I have always wanted to practice Mandarin Chinese and Russian particularly since these languages are very difficult to master and I have learnt that in recent times these two languages have gained a lot of importance in the world and they have also proved to be economically promising. Along with these Japanese too had proved to be lucrative enough. French I am already quite fluent and I am in the practice, and German and Spanish doesn't interest me that much, and since I already know it so I would like to pay more attention towards the languages that I know less as compared to these.
3. What are some languages you’d like to learn in the future?
Some languages I would love to explore in the due course of time is Arabic and Korean. As these days Korean happens to be very much in trend an Arabic is one of the six official languages of UN.
4. So let’s be honest, what’s the sexiest language?
According to me it's French, as it is a language of decency, politeness and elegance. It's a universal truth and I agree to it that French is the language of class and elite. Once spoken it fills vibrance in the atmosphere, soothes the listeners ears and it reaches straight to his heart. The pronunciation has style and always stands apart when spoken with demeanour.
5. What’s the greatest pleasure you get from speaking so many languages?
The way I could connect with larger group of people by speaking their tongues is immense as I believe, language is the roadway to reach till someone's heart. Secondly, it gives an edge to my personality and helps me to stand out from the crowd. It enhances my personality and helps to serve as an unparalleled identity.
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?
Well I do agree to this till quite an extent, only the most popular and well versed languages such as French, Spanish, etc. have the prospect of thriving well globally, but there are potential scope of upliftment and propaganda through public awareness programs to propagate about the importance of lesser known languages as languages are heritage, they are an integral part of a culture.
7. What is your message to young (and not so young) people out there who are interested in studying multiple languages?
Just listen to what your heart says, start exploring, take inspirations, never copy others, always be original. If possible, try to speak to the natives, there are multiple sources available on the Internet, you may use it. Read books if that helps. Never stop also there is no such appropriate age of starting to learn any language. Learning a language is age free. The best moment to begin learning a language is now, and the beginning or the initial phase of learning a language can be challenging, mentally draining and emotionally overwhelming. It's how you take it forward by breaking the myths in the society and the ability of converting your passion into your profession and ultimately been proud of what you have done.