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

In addition to my native languages, my childhood best friend was half Russian, and when I was at his house I felt fascinated by the fact that he spoke Russian to his mother as if it’s their own secret language, and it was the first language I wanted to learn, although I learned it as an adult.

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

French, I love the French language, and I learned it in Lebanese francophone school as a child, however I would love to move somewhere fully francophone and immerse myself in the culture.

And I managed to get a Canadian permanent residency that would allow me to live in Quebec and do so!

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

Mandarin, I believe it would be the most difficult by far however it would open up an entire world and a fascinating culture that is almost alien to me.

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

German. I’m ashamed to admit that it sounds aggressive, and that’s kinda sexy.

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

I love the fact that I can connect with a wide range of people from all over the world at a higher level just by understanding their culture, their humour, their mindset.

For me a language is not just a means of communication, it’s the story of millions of people and thousands of generations and each opens up a whole new world.

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?

Unfortunately yes, a lot of languages are dying out and many are already dead with no possibility of reviving them.

I truly hope I’m wrong and that efforts to preserve these languages will be successful.

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

When you study a language don’t just study grammar and words, immerse yourself in the culture, music whether it’s trashy modern pop or oldies, learn to cook a traditional dish, meet people from these cultures, it will give you a lot of motivation and you will enjoy the process.