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

Well, I studied Russian at school as well as English and German even though latter was not taught well so I decided to self-study online and attend public conversation clubs in my hometown. Before learning Japanese, I liked Japanese culture but once I attended sessions organized by Japanese Embassy, I started to learn Japanese to make research of unique culture. Since I love Persian songs, I also learned Persian from music, which was the best way to remember new words.

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

Most of time I practiced Japanese but I could do it more. Maybe I could discuss about serious topics, like medicine, politics, history and share my views with native Japanese people.

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

I would say Arabic or Mandarin since they are one of the most difficult languages to learn and there are a lot of tourists coming from Arabic Peninsula and China. Also, I used to make a lot of Chinese friends, they are so friendly and open. Once I complete Japanese, I plan to learn Mandarin/Chinese Traditional due to similar meanings of characters making easier for me to read even though I do not speak it.

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

I would not answer that question in a direct way but I would say Japanese. That is it. I will not tell the reason.

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

I could communicate with a lot of people from overseas, and making new connections and learning more about their cultures. With my English, I can talk with Americans casually about everything, like weather or other random topics outside.

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?

This is partially true as majestic languages, like English, Spanish or Mandarin replace local languages making people from different cultures simpler to communicate. For example, Okinawan and Ainu languages are heavily replaced by Japanese and current government considers those languages as dialects of Japanese rather than separate Japonic languages.

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

Do not give up. Do not listen to other people who are jealous of you because of your superior ability. I had a lot of peers at my school making fun of my Japanese or Persian. If you are young, your future is ahead but if you are older, you still have a chance. I have met Japanese elders at 60-70 years old learning English just to speak with foreigners.