- Vaughn smith, the hyperpolyglot who can speak 37 languages by his count- at least 24 fluently to hold a conversation.
- Neuroscientists from MIT scanned his brain.
- Growing up nobody understood him so to feel connected to the fellow person he is talking to he learned 24 languages.
City of diplomats
A Carpet Cleaner living in Washington D.C., the city of embassies and diplomats, who can easily earn six-figure salaries at the State Department or the International Monetary Fund. Vaugh decides to clean carpets despite speaking 24 languages fluently.
Hyperpolyglot
According to one expert’s definition, a hyperpolyglot can speak 11 or more languages: the higher the number, the rarer the person. Smith’s abilities have raised questions about the limits of human potential, Even though there are several cases undocumented cases of linguistic talent, Smith’s talent knows no bounds
Need for power
Growing up in Maryland as a child Smith could speak English and Spanish fluently but when his cousins from Belgium came he could not understand what they were saying or engage in a conversation. He also wanted that power to understand them.
Initial learning
From then on He started learning languages From his mother’s French albums to a German dictionary he found at his dad’s handyman jobs, to checking out beginner’s guides to various languages at the library.
Sense of belonging
Growing up Smith’s mother learned that he not only has a big brain also has a big heart saying that he is very sensitive and often tends to feel like he is not wanted or loved. Finally at the age of 14 he changed schools and felt more at ease. He befriended children from around the world who spoke different languages.
Major setbacks
Three years later, he moved back to Maryland but again felt like he did not fit in. He applied to a trade school for medical assistants but he did not get in and therefore his highschool diploma was the last he received.
Figuring out
Throughout adulthood he worked odd jobs like a painter, bouncer, punk rock roadie and a kombucha delivery man. He also learned American Sign Language from the students of Gallaudet University at a club called Tracks.
Connecting to people
For Smith Speaking in different languages is a way of connecting to people. He cherishes those moments when he speaks to someone in their native languages and their face lights up. Even though he is still finding his Personal footing work wise but it does not affect his Learning.
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Source: Upworthy
