Polyglot dating, a fascinating aspect of language learning, is not often discussed. With the increasing popularity of language learning and the rise of polyglots, it is becoming more common for people to meet and date others who share their passion for languages. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of polyglot dating and why it can be an exciting and enriching experience. 

I. Why You Should Date a Polyglot

Just google this very sentence: “Why you should date a polyglot”. In fact, again and again the same or similar lame responses appear on several websites on the web:

• Polyglots make great travel partners. Ok, that might be true especially if you travel to non-touristy areas. That is however actually not that often the case. Think about it! Where do you travel if you go to Thailand? Maybe to Bangkok or maybe to a fullmoon-party. Less likely that you travel to Nakhon Ratchasima where knowledge of Thai language might be especially helpful! And: While you might want to explore these places, maybe your travel partner is not so keen on that.
• Polyglots are good communicators and socialize easily. Ok, that might also be true. Again, that is usually a plus but can also be a bit overwhelming at times. Still, good to have somebody who can break the ice. 
• Some publications even state that it is sexy to speak foreign languages to your significant other. Be careful! It might also backfire… as many compliments or sexy talk could. 
• Polyglots are tolerant and open minded. Again, that is usually a plus as it makes it easier for all of us with our weird hobbies and nerdy-ticks. A polyglot might want to learn more about your Star Wars collection than any random person. 
• Polyglots are hard working! Well, let’s call that a cliche! Because actually, polyglots should learn about the Kungfucius Method and understand that it is more about incorporating fun activities in the target language than working hard on grammar rules.

While all these points and other points mentioned in those articles are certainly true, they miss the most important points! 

II. Why you should really date a polyglot!

There are really only two deep reasons to date a polyglot specifically compared to any other lovely person.

• You are also a polyglot and you like to switch languages. This is a major reason. Polyglots love to learn, acquire and practice a language. If you and your partner are advanced in several languages, you can switch languages sometimes. So maybe one morning in Italy you speak only Italian and in the afternoon you switch to English or French? A great way to build your own unique language and share unforgettable moments. 
• Your partner has another native language. Well, maybe your partner doesn’t speak your native language and you speak in their native language? That is by far the most important reason why polyglots might be able to connect with more people. As an example: If you are from Japan and you travel to Brazil, probably you might only find a few Japanese speakers in the neighbourhood of Liberdade, but almost no Japanese speakers in the North-East of Brazil. You might be an expert of body language and get to know a significant other there as well, but usually your choices will be rather limited. Already if you speak English, you might have much more potential partners and if you master Portuguese, you suddenly could date practically everybody in Brazil. Well, in theory at least. For the sake of this argument, let’s put it into a graph: 

Dating possibilities of a Japanese speaking Japanese in Brazil

So, a Japanese person who speaks only Japanese could potentially communicate with only 1 million people in Brazil and most of them live in Sao Paulo. Depending on orientation and other circumstances, the actual “dating pool” might be just 1% or 10,000 people in all of Brazil and many areas will have 0. 

Now, speaking Portuguese, this Japanese chap or chick will have 100,000s of potential partners in each state of Brazil!

III. How Dating Can Help Drive Language Acquisition

Dating can be one of the best ways to improve your language skills! 

This can be done in several ways. 

One, is to casually switch languages if you are in a relationship with another polyglot. Both of you will then practice languages constantly. But be careful. When you both practice foreign languages, the risk of fossilisation of mistakes is high!

Two. Being in a relationship with a polyglot can provide extra motivation to learn languages. And it is great to have some time to listen to language podcasts or doing spaced repetition, even if each of you acquire a different language.

Three. Your partner can be a patient teacher, helping you navigate daily situations and immerse yourself in the language and culture. This first-hand experience can be invaluable in improving your language skills. Several well known Polyglots will admit, that they dated a partner that was very instrumental in improving language skills. 

But don’t get this wrong: there are equally many polyglots that learned without having a partner who spoke another language. Many polyglots even learnt without leaving their country. 

IV. Polyglots and Series Dating Instead of Serious Dating

Polyglots may have a history of dating partners from different linguistic backgrounds. To reach a high language proficiency level, some may have had multiple relationships where they practiced and improved their skills. So some polyglots had girlfriends in one or another language they improved or learnt later on. 

A fun tip: polyglots often enjoy role-playing, especially in different languages!

V. Are There Shy Polyglots?

While it’s possible to find introverted polyglots, many are outgoing and open-minded, making it easy to break the ice and start conversations. Their love for languages can create connections and shared interests with potential partners.

Still, most modern language learning methods emphasize on what Krashen called comprehensible input. In other words, shy people might have difficulties in typical classroom language sessions, but they can learn as fast or faster using comprehensible input and maximising the amount of input.

VI. Traveling Together with Your Polyglot Partner

Traveling with a polyglot partner can lead to deeper connections with locals and a more authentic experience. Your partner’s language skills can help navigate unfamiliar situations and create lasting memories. But there is also a drawback if your partner will do all the speaking and listening. Either he or she might feel exhausted, or you might feel left alone if your partner is getting into a meaningful conversation. 

So, yes, it can be wonderful if your partner is a polyglot but best if you also love to learn the language of the country you are traveling to!

VII. When Two Polyglots Fall in Love

It’s not uncommon for two polyglots to fall in love. These relationships often involve practicing several languages together and enjoying travels to various countries, enriching each other’s lives.

Most importantly, many polyglots share other hobbies and activities besides language acquisition. That can be dancing, museums, history or cooking and good food. 

VIII. Polyglots and Polyamory

Polyamory may be more common among polyglots than you think. Their open-mindedness and love for diverse cultures and languages might lead them to explore non-traditional relationship structures.

Still, it is a minority that goes this way. 

IX. Polyglots and Marriage

When polyglots marry, they face unique challenges, such as deciding where to settle down and which language to use in the relationship. Additionally, they must consider how to raise their children in a multilingual environment. 

Some polyglots also mention that their partners are jealous due to their multi-lingual abilities.

Conclusion

Polyglot dating is an intriguing aspect of language learning that can lead to exciting relationships, cultural experiences, and personal growth. Just do not think that you get more attractive if you learn languages – as this discussion on Quora is about. You might not be more attractive to a person who doesn’t speak languages, but you might have something in common with another polyglot. 

Dating a polyglot can provide motivation, support, and unique opportunities for language acquisition. While challenges may arise, the rewards of polyglot dating are well worth the effort.

And most importantly: Polyglots can find love and marriage everywhere as they can connect with so many more people in multiple languages. 

As a result, a new generation of polyglot babies is being born and probably never in human history, there have been so many polyglot children growing up!