WHEREVER Richard Simcott goes in the world, he can have a conversation with the locals.
At the age of 34, he is one of the UK’s most multilingual people, speaking more than 30 languages.
He is often confused for a native speaker in German, French, Spanish, Dutch and Macedonian.
In addition, he is fluent in Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, Welsh, Czech, Esperanto, Bulgarian and Serbo-Croat.
According to the Chester-born linguist, access to foreign languages is now easier than ever.
He said: “We live in such a great age. We’ve got the technology to watch television from all over the world.
“For example, I would never normally get the chance to listen to Catalan at all, but the internet allows me the chance to do that.”
Richard is not the only talented linguist in his family.
His daughter is only three but already speaks five languages.
“From day one, she spoke French, English and Macedonian,” said the proud father.
“Then from 18 months, I started speaking German and Spanish to her. She really enjoys it.”
He was named one of the top two most multi-lingual people in the UK in an exhaustive search conducted by the Collins English Dictionary.
Working for digital agency, Emoderation, as a language consultant gives him the opportunity to use his languages every day.
He said: “I breathe languages. This is not just a hobby for me.
“I am fortunate that I do what I do and I get to work with them so much.”
Three years ago, Richard made a YouTube video of him switching between 16 languages. It has since had 200,000 hits. To see the video, search ‘hyperpolyglot’ at www.youtube.com.
