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

My language journey began in Herat, Afghanistan, where I grew up speaking Persian and Pashto. Moving to Tajikistan exposed me to Russian, which I quickly picked up. My passion for languages grew as I realized their power to connect people across cultures. Studying in Turkey allowed me to learn Turkish, and my current studies in Argentina have immersed me in Spanish. Each move and opportunity added a new language to my repertoire, driven by my curiosity about different cultures and my desire to communicate effectively in diverse settings.

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

I'd love to spend more time practicing French, German and Chinese. I have a basic understanding of them, but given their global importance and the rich cultures they represent, I wish I could dedicate more time to achieving fluency in these languages.

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

In the future, I'd like to improve my French, Portuguese and German beyond the beginner level. I'm also interested in learning Korean for its richness culture given its importance in the cinematic world and its global reach. Additionally, I'm curious about learning an Indigenous language from the Americas to gain a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.

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

Beauty in language is subjective and often tied to personal experiences. However, I find the melodic flow of Persian (Farsi) particularly captivating. Its poetic nature and rich literary tradition make it a language that's both beautiful to listen to and expressive in its capacity for nuances.

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

The greatest pleasure is the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds on a deeper level. Being able to communicate in someone's native language often opens doors to more authentic interactions and cultural insights. It's incredibly rewarding to see how speaking someone's language can instantly break down barriers and create a sense of trust and understanding.

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 some languages are at risk of extinction, I don't believe we'll be left with only a few languages in 100 years. Globalization has indeed made certain languages more dominant, but it has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving linguistic diversity. Many communities are making efforts to revitalize their native languages. Additionally, the internet has provided platforms for lesser-spoken languages to thrive. I believe we'll see a balance between global languages and a rich tapestry of local and regional languages.

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

My message is simple: embrace the journey of language learning with open arms and an open mind. Every language you learn is a new way to view the world. Don't be afraid of making mistakes – they're an essential part of the learning process. Immerse yourself in the culture of the language you're learning through music, films, and literature. Remember that language learning is not just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar; it's about understanding people and cultures. Stay curious, stay persistent, and enjoy the process of becoming a global citizen through language.