Lost in Translation? Not for the Polyglot Wonder Mahmood Akram!
Mahmood Akram isn’t just a polyglot—he’s a linguistic marvel! Hailing from Chennai, this 19-year-old can read, write, and type in a jaw-dropping 400 languages while fluently speaking 46. With world records, global recognition, and a passion for bridging cultures through language, Akram’s story is a celebration of diversity. As International Mother Language Day nears, his journey reminds us that language isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, culture, and breaking barriers!A Childhood Immersed in LanguageAkram’s linguistic journey began even before he was born. His father, Shilbee Mozhippriyan, an expert in 16 languages with a doctorate in cognitive psychology, wanted to ensure that his son would never face language barriers. Shilbee mentioned that when his wife was pregnant, they often discussed languages, hoping it would influence their child's interest.By the age of four, Akram had already mastered the English alphabet in just six days. Within three weeks, he had learned the 299 characters of the Tamil script—an accomplishment that typically takes months. His father introduced him to ancient Tamil scripts like Vatteluttu, Grantha, and Tamizhi, which he quickly absorbed. By six, he had surpassed his father’s knowledge and ventured into self-learning.Between ages six and eight, Akram expanded his repertoire to 50 languages, relying on books and online resources like Omniglot, an encyclopedia of languages. His passion led him to set his first world record at just eight years old as the youngest multilingual typist. He continued breaking records, including writing the Indian national anthem in 20 languages within an hour at the age of ten.Overcoming Educational ChallengesDespite his extraordinary talent, conventional education did not accommodate his unique learning path. Schools in India did not recognize his linguistic prowess, and he struggled to find an institution that specialized in languages. Akram then enrolled in an online school in Israel, studying major global languages like Arabic, Spanish, French, and Hebrew.When he wanted to transition back to a traditional school, Indian institutions refused to accept him unless he started from the sixth grade. Unwilling to compromise, Akram completed his education through the National Institute of Open Schooling. His talent eventually earned him a scholarship to Danube International School in Vienna, Austria. Here, he got the opportunity to interact with classmates from 39 different nationalities, thus helping him to refine his fluency.Today, Akram is pursuing degrees in linguistics from the Open University in the UK, English Literature, and Animation from Alagappa University in Chennai. The Art of Speaking and Staying ConnectedUntil the age of 14, Akram could only say basic phrases in many languages. Determined to improve, he immersed himself in native conversations and now speaks 15 languages fluently. To stay connected with the languages he has learned, Akram integrates them into his daily life. His favorite language remains Tamil, his mother tongue. He found Japanese surprisingly easy due to its similarities with Tamil, while Czech, Finnish, and Vietnamese proved the most challenging.For Akram, his linguistic journey is about more than setting records. He wants to inspire others to embrace language diversity. In Tamil Nadu, many people believe that knowing English alone is sufficient for global communication, but Akram disagrees. He said that languages were the key to cultural appreciation, explaining that if he spoke to someone in their native tongue, they would respond with their heart, but if he used English, they would think with their brain.Looking ahead, Akram hopes to translate Tamil literary masterpieces like Thirukkural and Tholkappiyam into multiple languages to bring Tamil heritage to a global audience. He also dreams of becoming a professor at a prestigious university, using his knowledge to bridge cultural gaps.As the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, Akram’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and significance of linguistic diversity.