Clár imeachtaí
The program is being prepared. In the meantime, you can have a look at last year’s program to find out what you can expect.
| Wednesday, May 27 | Thursday, May 28 | Friday, May 29 | Saturday, May 30 | Sunday, May 31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops | |
| Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | |
| Registration, games | Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops | Talks and workshops |
| Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner | Dinner |
| Evening program | Evening program | Evening program | Evening program | Goodbye evening |
If you would like to attend the Polyglot Gathering as a speaker, fill in this questionnaire to let us know what you would like to talk about.
Talks and workshops
The program is being prepared, but here are some of the talks and workshops you can look forward to. This list is not complete and will be regularly updated.
Discovering Geg Albanian from Kosovo
Language: English
Geg is one of the two main dialect groups of the Albanian language and is widely spoken in northern parts of Albania as well as in Kosovo. Despite its rich linguistic features and strong cultural significance, it is often less represented in formal education and learning materials compared to Standard Albanian, which is mostly based on the southern Tosk dialect. This talk offers an accessible introduction to the Northeast Geg dialect as spoken in Kosovo. Participants will explore its phonological, grammatical and lexical characteristics, as well as its sociolinguistic role in everyday communication, identity and regional diversity. The presentation will also address the challenges and opportunities of learning and teaching dialectal varieties, and reflect on the importance of documenting and preserving linguistic diversity in a rapidly changing world. No prior knowledge of Albanian is required. The session is aimed at language enthusiasts, polyglots and anyone interested in lesser-known European languages and dialects.
Adrian Kuqi
Adrian Kuqi is a linguist and language educator specialising in Albanian dialectology, particularly the Northeast Geg dialect spoken in Kosovo. He holds a Master of Arts in General Linguistics from the University of Bamberg and subsequently spent a year at the University of Zurich conducting research and academic work related to the Albanian language. Since then, he has published several teaching materials and textbooks focusing on the Geg dialect, regularly produces educational video content, and has been teaching ongoing group courses in Kosovo Albanian since early 2024. Together with two software developers, he also co-founded GegLex, the first dedicated digital learning platform and dictionary for the Geg dialect.
No Words, Just Moves
Language: Spanish, English
After hours of speaking, code-switching, translating, and thinking in different languages, our brains deserve a break. This session is an invitation to switch off the words and switch on the body. No talking, no explaining, no languages to decode. Just music, simple movement, and shared fun. I’ll guide you through easy, intuitive moves inspired by dance and fitness, but this is not a dance class and definitely not a performance. You don’t need any experience, coordination, or rhythm. You don’t even have to dance the whole time, you can move as much or as little as you like. The goal is not to learn steps, but to disconnect, relax, and reset your mind.
Adrian Makoć
Polish philologist and a teacher of Polish as a second language who loves working with languages and people from different cultures. Outside the classroom, he enjoys dancing and moving to music, which has been part of his life for many years. He previously worked on staged, and movement remains an important way for him to relax, recharge, and have fun.
Applying AI Strategies to Human Learning
Language: English
Everyone is talking about AI, but do you know how it actually masters a language? Beyond the code, does an LLM truly grasp morphology, syntax, and semantics?
In this talk, we will demystify the technology. I will explain how models use tokens and probability to predict the next word, and answer the big question: Does AI “think” in the language, or is it just translating?
Finally, we will connect this to biology. Is this probability-based method the same one babies use to acquire their mother tongue? And if so, can we apply the 'LLM method' to learn new languages?
Alejandro Alvarez Acebal
Alejandro Alvarez Acebal (Alex) is currently completing his degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at a university in Darmstadt, Germany. With hands-on experience training his own models, he brings a practical, technical perspective to the discussion. A passionate language lover, Alex is fascinated by the intersection of silicon and biology. He aims to bridge these two worlds, clarifying the nuances between artificial and biological intelligence to help fellow polyglots understand the mechanisms of learning.
The Italic Languages: Latin’s Lost Sisters
It is well-known that the Romance languages have their origin in Latin, but many are not aware that Latin did have several sister-languages, spoken in other parts of what is now Italy. How did they look like? How much is known about them? How does their grammar work in comparison to classical Latin? When and how did they go extinct? Can those languages be learned and spoken? And… how would the Romance languages look like today, if not Rome had become a world power, but instead another city somewhere? Let's delve deeper into Oscan, Umbrian, Faliscan, Messapic, Venetic, Picene, Pre-Samnite and… well, also Latin and Proto-Italic!
André Müller & Ronja Sturm
André Müller studied linguistics and Chinese studies in his hometown Leipzig and later did his PhD in Zurich about language contact in Myanmar, after which he returned to Leipzig to teach German as a foreign language as well as Klingon. André is a regular at Polyglot Gathering and is into linguistic typology, constructed languages, phonetics, morphology, Egyptology and writing systems (of which he knows 27!).
Ronja Sturm is doing her BA in linguistics at the University of Leipzig and interested in linguistic typology, and morphological and syntactic theory, and most things linguistics. She’s currently working on gender and number and likes languages with a lot of affixes. Besides, she likes making music.
L'influence de l'arabe sur le français et inversement
Language: French
The main subject of my talk is the influence of the Arabic language on the French language, specifically how the growth of the Arabic-speaking population in France has influenced vocabulary as well as pronunciation in French language.
However, this phenomenon works in two directions. French has also significantly influenced Arabic, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia (former French colonies). Today, we can observe a unique phenomenon there: for example, in Morocco people often speak two languages in consecutive order, using one sentence in French and the next in Arabic. Therefore, following a conversation from native speakers from Morocco or Algeria requires high level of knowledge in both languages: French and Arabic.
Unlike creole languages, where one language (for example French or Spanish) influences another language (such as native languages in Mauritius), in this particular case the languages change interchangeably during conversation.
Aneli Jovanovic
Aneli is a French and English teacher who lives in Croatia. In addition to her native Croatian, she speaks French, English, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, although her Arabic still needs improvement. She works as an online teacher on language platforms, and her dream is to learn as many languages as possible. Her next goals are Japanese and Hebrew. She enjoys traveling and spending days swimming at the beach — a typical Mediterranean girl cliché. She also loves watching Bollywood films and French YouTube channels, which help her discover new cultures and improve her listening skills. One of her biggest dreams is to swim with sharks someday, although she has not had the chance to do it yet.
Project Management in Language Learning
Language: Italian (with slides in English)
In a world where everything moves at AI speed, our attention is constantly pulled in different directions. Language learners often feel overloaded, stressed, and distracted — even when their motivation is high.
In this interactive talk/workshop, I’ll introduce a holistic, user-friendly one-page project planning approach for language acquisition. A simple visual framework helps you see your real goal, cut through the noise, and focus on what truly matters — without turning learning into another stressful to-do list.
Together, we’ll explore how to transform a language dream into a clear, flexible project: set meaningful priorities, avoid polyglot overload, work with energy and plateaus, and choose the few actions that create the biggest impact.
This session blends structure with creativity and clarity with play. Perfect for polyglots, busy professionals, teachers, and learners with ADHD who want calm focus, sustainable progress, and a smarter way to learn languages in an AI-driven world.
Anna Bakova
Anna Bakova is a linguist, polyglot, and professional coach (PCC ICF–certified) based in Prague. She is the founder of the Language Coaching Academy, an ICF-accredited coaching training provider for educators. Anna works at the intersection of language learning, coaching, psychology, and project management, helping individuals and teams achieve language, business, and life goals more effectively. She has over 10 years of international experience in education, coaching, and corporate learning and development.
Practical Guide to Reading Your First Book in a Foreign Language
Language: French
Reading a full-length book in a foreign language is a milestone many learners dream of, yet many abandon the idea after struggling through the first page. This talk offers a practical, encouraging roadmap to make that goal achievable—starting as early as the A2 level.
We’ll look at how to choose the right first book: what to prioritize, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to select stories that motivate rather than overwhelm. Participants will learn what to expect when reading with limited vocabulary, how to handle unfamiliar words without stopping every few sentences, and how to build confidence even when the text feels challenging.
The session will also tackle the realities of busy daily life. We’ll explore simple strategies for integrating short reading moments into your routine, creating sustainable habits, and maintaining motivation when progress feels slow. By shifting expectations and using smart techniques, learners can turn reading into an enjoyable, consistent part of their language journey.
Attendees will leave with a clear method and the confidence to begin—and finish—their first book in a new language.
Anna Ostojska
Anna Ostojska is a lifelong language enthusiast who has learned English, French, Dutch, and Swedish by exploring diverse learning methods. Books have always been central to her approach, helping her accelerate and enrich her language journey. Balancing a busy professional life in the IT sector and family life, she pursues languages in her own unique way. Passionate about sharing her experience, Anna inspires others to see language learning as a joyful, rewarding adventure, showing that curiosity and consistency can turn reading into a gateway to new worlds.
Language learners in the early modern period
Language: English
During the early modern period (1500-1800), European expansion and colonialism brought as a result a new wave of multicultural exchange in which languages and cultures merged in a speed never seen before. Throughout this period, language acquisition proved essential both for European colonialists and local societies. In this talk, I want to explore how language learning became a hot topic during the XVIth and XVIIth centuries, from places like Nueva España (Mexico) and Brazil to Japan and Taiwan. This talk also explores how language learning affected one's status in colonial societies, how Europeans got to know about foreign languages spoken thousands of kilometers away, and how translators and interpreters fared in the midst of the early modern world. I hope this talk can inspire others to look into this often ignored history of language learning and polyglot agents.
Arturo Ortiz Casillas
Arturo is a Mexican national studying his last Master's year at Paris. He is carrying out a thesis on the diffusion of European firearms in the East Asian space during the 16–17th centuries. His studies also focus on European expansion in the early modern period, with a particular focus on colonial studies and multilingual use of primary source materials.
Be Five Again: A First-Hand Journey Into The Magic Of Early English Learning!!!
Language: English
Come with me and step into the world of a kindergarten classroom and experience English the way 5-year-old children do—through movement, rhythm, and play. In this engaging hands-on workshop, participants will become the “children” as we explore a mini-lesson drawn from over 20 years of teaching English in my local kindergarten.
Discover how raps, rhymes, songs, games and storytelling—combined with simple, purposeful movements—can create a joyful, happy environment where even the youngest learners feel confident and motivated. You’ll see how these techniques build vocabulary, support memory, and invite spontaneous participation, all while keeping the energy high and the atmosphere relaxed.
Whether you teach young learners or adults or simply want to bring more creativity and movement into your lessons or your own language acquisition, this workshop will give you practical ideas you can use immediately. Come and join in, have fun, and rediscover how magical early language learning can be.
Astrid Pfeffer
Astrid lives in the south of Germany and is married with two adult daughters. A teacher and translator for more than 30 years, she has taught English and German to learners of all ages. For over 20 years, she has worked in a local kindergarten, introducing five-year-olds to English through a dynamic approach and innovative methods that blend movement with raps, rhymes, songs, games and stories. She is also the author of several books containing additional teaching material used in schools and at home. Her main passions are teaching, studying lots of languages and dancing!!!
Ў не складанае: why Belarusian is easier (and harder) than you think
Language: English
Belarusian is often mistaken for a “simplified Russian,” yet it is one of the most distinctive and surprising members of the Slavic family. This workshop offers a clear and engaging introduction to the language, showing what sets it apart and why it deserves far more attention from language lovers
We will explore the sounds, grammar, and vocabulary that make Belarusian unique — from the famous letter Ў to features that place it closer to Polish or Ukrainian than many people expect.
To make the session interactive, we’ll compare short phrases across Belarusian, Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian and learn how to recognise Belarusian “in the wild.” A fun cultural segment will introduce Belarusian’s traditional curse formulas, known for their colourful imagery and dark humour
The workshop will also touch on how Belarusian lives today, especially within diaspora communities where the language often becomes a symbol of identity and continuity.
Whether you’re a Slavic-language enthusiast or simply curious, this session will give you a fresh, accessible look at a language that is both familiar and unexpectedly different. Join us to rediscover Belarusian beyond the stereotypes.
Asya Cariuk
Born in a small Belarusian town, Asya speaks multiple languages. She moved to Poland, the home of her grandparents, when she was 16, and after finishing her education, she set out on a lifetime travel journey. She lived and learned languages through immersion in eight different countries, from China to the Middle East and Ireland. Türkiye is one of her favourite destinations, as it is where she developed her ability to fit in with the locals. She enjoys showing people Istanbul, which she believes is the greatest city on Earth. With this presentation, she returns to her roots after many years of shaping a diverse and cosmopolitan identity, reconnecting with the language and cultural heritage that first sparked her passion for languages.
The Development of the Japanese Writing System
Language: Italian
Il sistema di scrittura giapponese è uno dei più affascinanti al mondo: un intreccio vivo di kanji, hiragana, katakana e caratteri latini, nato da secoli di adattamenti, invenzioni e scelte culturali. In questo workshop esploreremo come semplici immagini siano diventate caratteri complessi, come i kanji combinino significato e suono, e perché il giapponese abbia sviluppato due sillabari distinti per rispondere alle esigenze della lingua. Seguendo esempi concreti e visivi, scopriremo non solo come «funziona» questa scrittura mista, ma anche perché continua a essere così elegante, efficace e profondamente legata all’identità culturale del Giappone. Un viaggio tra storia, logica, estetica e uso quotidiano, pensato per chi vuole guardare oltre l’apparente complessità e intravedere l’ordine sorprendente nascosto nei segni.
Ayrton-Didier Brincat
Ayrton-Didier Brincat is a Maltese translator, proofreader, writer, lecturer, and linguist whose work is driven by a deep fascination with language. A polyglot and educator, he teaches Maltese, Italian, Japanese, and other languages at the University of Malta and across the public sector. He also helps design language problems and train participants from Malta and Switzerland for the International Linguistics Olympiad. His interests include cats, origami, carpentry, and playing musical instruments.
Chorusing: Your New Favorite Language Workout
Language: English
Do you struggle with getting your speech to sound fluid? Maybe listening at full speed is still a challenge, or you can't quite match the intonation natives expect. Chorusing can help with all of that. It's been around since the late 90s, hiding in the margins of language learning research and learning routines.
Chorusing is when you speak out loud at the same time as a native speaker recording, repeating the same clip dozens of times until your mouth automatically knows how to produce it. It trains pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, and listening comprehension all at once. It never caught on widely because the setup was a pain. You needed to find audio, cut it into clips, manage the repetition workflow... But with modern tools, it's far more approachable than it used to be.
In this workshop, you'll see chorusing demonstrated live in multiple languages, then try it yourself. I've prepared audio clips in 10+ widely learned languages, accessible through a free website on your phone or laptop. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to chorus and ready to add it to your regular practice. Bring headphones if you can!
Ben Adams
Ben has spent the last several years fully dedicated to the study of several languages, but also to the study of studying languages. He's interested in practically all languages and all areas of linguistics, but especially second language acquisition. He's learned German, Spanish, Czech and Mandarin, to varying levels of ability. His preferred method is full-on media immersion. He will be attending university, in Czech, right here in Brno in 2027.
La danse des mains : une comparaison de quatre langues des signes: mexicaine, américaine, brésilienne et internationale
Language: French, Sign languages
La langue des signes n’est pas universelle ; il existe plus de 7 000 langues parlées et plus de 300 langues des signes. Pour moi, danseuse professionnelle, la danse est l’expression la plus pure et la plus ancienne de l’âme, où le corps, transformé en pinceau traçant des histoires comme une toile aérienne, abrite des milliers de cœurs qui parlent sans un son: les langues des signes, univers merveilleux aux possibilités expressives et de communication infinies.
Dans cette conférence, je propose une analyse linguistique contrastive et comparative de Quatre Langues des Signes : Mexicaine (LSM), Américaine (ASL), Brésilienne (LIBRAS) et la Internationale (IS). Je dévoilerai l’architecture grammaticale, morphologique et sémantique qui sous-tend la « danse des mains », en examinant ses similitudes et ses différences dans la configuration des paramètres formatifs du signe.
Je vous invite à un voyage poétique, où la main, cet instrument de caresse et de création, devient l’ancrage de la grammaire et le miroir de l’identité dans un espace de vastes chorégraphies culturelles.
« La main qui bouge, c’est le cœur qui parle, et le visage, c’est le rythme qui le guide. »
Brenda Liliana Ruvalcaba Montoya
Brenda Liliana Ruvalcaba Montoya. Artistic name: Brandy Ruvalcaba.
Mexican Polymath. Professional Dancer. Magician-Illusionist. Juggler. Polyglot in Spoken and Sign Languages. Creator of “Special Tangotherapy for Patients with Parkinson’s”. Speaker at TEDx: “Tangoterapia, un abrazo de vida.” Choreographer. Gymnast. Nutritionist. Evangelist of Korean Culture in Mexico. International Relations. Volunteering with Elephants and Dolphins. Dogs Trainer. Member of the Technical Committee of the Mexican Gymnastics Federation. Traveling Dancer around the world with her project “Brandy Ruvalcaba The World is my Stage”.
Let's Compare Malay and Tagalog (Through Song Lyrics)!
Language: English
Malay (standardised as Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia) and Tagalog (the national language of the Philipppines) are both Austronesian languages and share a lot of vocabulary. However, Filipinos cannot understand Malay-Indonesian and vice versa. Or can we? Using our shared cultural passion for music, I will dissect the lyrics of a few popular Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino songs from the 1970s to the 2000s to identify common words. We will trace how much our languages have drifted apart over the last several millennia, and how much we have remained the same.
Brian Loo Soon Hua
Brian is a Malaysian linguist currently with projects related to indigenous languages in Australia. He loves travelling and is working on a few writing projects.
Apprendre les langues avec le langage de l'âme : la musique culturelle façonne nos cerveaux
Language: French
La musique est connue comme étant le langage de l'âme : elle relie les gens à travers le temps et l'espace, et c’est le seul langage véritablement universel dont nous disposons. Cette présentation explorera comment le langage utilisé dans la musique culturelle façonne le cerveau non seulement de ses locuteurs natifs, mais aussi comment il modifie les perceptions et des l'expérience d'apprentissage des apprenants étrangers. À l'aide d'études de cas captivants et d'extraits musicaux, la question du rôle de la musique dans l'apprentissage des langues sera abordée d'un point de vue neuroscientifique, culturel et social, en examinant l'impact de la musique culturelle sur les enfants, les patients atteints de démence et vous, les apprenants en langues. Le public repartira avec une meilleure compréhension de la façon dont les langues façonnent notre cerveau, mais aussi avec de nouveaux outils pour enrichir son apprentissage des langues grâce à la langue qu'il possède déjà : celle de la musique.
Caitlin Evran
Caitlin is a university student studying neuroscience and philosophy. As a hyperpolyglot, she is highly passionate about discovering new cultures and connecting with people from around the world, and she is fascinated by how the holistic language-learning process shapes the brain and our perspectives. Currently working on her German, Caitlin looks forward to learning Japanese as a vehicle to continue her exploration of diverse worldviews. In the future, Caitlin hopes to pursue a career as a doctor, using polyglotism to help her connect with patients in a multicultural society. As a classical pianist, she is also the founder of a cultural music therapy nonprofit, which she runs alongside her studies.
Relations entre langues et mathématiques: Espéranto et au delà
Language: French
L’intervention vise a montrer les nombreux liens entre langues et maths à travers plusieurs langues en phonétique, morphologie, sémantique et syntaxe. Elle est structurée de façon très interactive, c’est à dire que je pose une série de questions et c’est donc au public de «construire» la conférence, en recherchant des réponses (avec mes suggestions et confirmations). En outre, le public peut poser des questions à tout moment.
Cesco Reale
A comunicador scientifique, Cesco Reale deals with games, langues und mathematik, through festivals, exhibitions, talks und pubblicazioni. He speaks mehr than 10 langues, includendo Latina und Chinês Mandarim, und holds the IPA Zertifikat in phonétique. He ist also representante at United Nations voor the Wereld Esperanto Associatie und the creatore of Limbas, langue seminarium in Italia. He ist the projekt founder of www.komunikon.com, that ist developpant an internacia langue made only of iconos. Follow him in his YouTube canal (Cesco Reale).
Anglish (Agent English) and how to develop Agent German, French, Spanish, etc.
Language: English with some German and French
AI-driven vibe coding is rapidly establishing a strong advantage for English in software creation. We must move quickly to ensure that vibe coding becomes accessible in all languages, so the immense creative and economic value it unlocks can be shared globally. The future of AI-assisted programming should not be limited by language. Polyglots are uniquely positioned to lead this effort, bridging linguistic worlds and helping build tools that allow developers everywhere to create, collaborate, and innovate in their own languages.
Charles Wijayawardhana and Muthucumaru Maheswaran
Charles Wijayawardhana is a corporate executive with extensive international experience across multiple Fortune 500 companies and is a passionate polyglot. Muthucumaru Maheswaran is an AI professor at McGill University, Canada, with a deep commitment to language equity and a distinguished record of published research in Artificial Intelligence. Together, they present a vision for the polyglot community: demonstrating how multilingual thinkers can help shape the future of AI-driven “vibe coding,” ensuring that programming and human–AI collaboration can flourish in all languages and not just in English. Their message is an invitation for polyglots worldwide to help expand the linguistic reach of the next generation of software creation.
Can AI Translate Your App Like a Native?
Language: English
I’ve shipped apps in 18 languages — first by hand, now with AI. But can AI really produce translations that feel natural to a native speaker, or does it just generate technically correct gibberish?
In this talk, I’ll put that question to the test live on stage. Using AI coding tools, I’ll add new languages to a real app in real time — including ones the audience suggests. Unlike traditional machine translation, AI can adapt to tone, context, and platform conventions — but how well does it actually pull that off? Want to see your language appear in an app in under 60 seconds? Come prepared.
Along the way, I’ll share what I’ve learned from years of app localization — from manually translating a card game companion app into every language the game has been published in, to using AI to localize across platforms and even generate store descriptions automatically. We’ll explore where AI shines, where it stumbles, and what it means for the future of multilingual software.
Whether you’re a developer, a translator, or just someone who’s ever been annoyed by a bad app translation — this one’s for you.
Full disclosure: My AI coding assistant wrote this description. How’d it do?
Chuck Smith
Chuck Smith is an American indie developer based in Berlin and co-founder of the Polyglot Gathering. He founded the Esperanto Wikipedia in 2001, developed the Esperanto course on Duolingo, and was named Esperantisto de la Jaro. With 17 years of iOS development experience, he has shipped apps in 18 languages and currently develops Sonow, a now-playing display app for Sonos speakers, Dominion Minion, a card game companion app, and What the Shell, a strategic board game.
Speed Connecting: The Icebreaker Game for Language Lovers
Language: Multilingual
Come and meet new People, one Conversation at a time!
Want to make instant connections with fellow language lovers? Join Speed Connecting, a dynamic and fun networking game that ensures you properly meet a handful of new people in just one session! You’ll be randomly paired with another participant for a 5-minute conversation, then switch to a new partner in the next round. And so on... Speak any language you like — the only rule is to engage and enjoy!
This is the perfect icebreaker at the start of the conference, helping you turn strangers into friends in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Whether you’re here for the first time or a returning attendee, Speed Connecting will spark great conversations and expand your global network.
Optional Icebreaker questions will be provided as inspiration. I will guide you through the game and keep the energy high — just come as you are!
Are you ready to make meaningful connections in just minutes? Join us and let the conversations begin!
Daniele Bozzi
Daniele Bozzi is a polyglot at heart, his passion for language learning started at a young age. Known for his open and entertaining personality, he loves bringing people together and turning gatherings into truly meaningful experiences.
As a Community Manager at various software companies, his current job is to spark meaningful connections online and in person. His “Speed Connecting” game is a favorite at conferences, weddings, and festivals.
Fale Português do Brasil como um nativo
Language: Portuguese
Você já estudou português, mas sente que ainda soa «livro demais»? Neste workshop interativo, você vai descobrir como o português do Brasil é realmente falado no dia a dia — com naturalidade, ritmo e identidade cultural.
A proposta vai além da gramática: exploramos pronúncia reduzida, entonação, expressões comuns, gírias leves e estratégias de conversação usadas por falantes nativos em situações reais. O foco é ajudar você a se comunicar de forma mais espontânea, confiante e autêntica.
Por meio de exemplos práticos, exercícios de repetição, mini-diálogos e insights culturais, os participantes aprendem a soar mais natural em conversas informais, entender a diferença entre o português formal e o português falado, evitar traduções literais comuns entre aprendizes e compreender aspectos culturais que influenciam a comunicação no Brasil.
O workshop é dinâmico, participativo e acessível a diferentes níveis de proficiência. Ao final, você sairá com expressões reais e ferramentas práticas para se comunicar melhor — e se sentir mais à vontade — em português do Brasil.
Se você quer ir além do “português correto” e chegar ao português vivo, este workshop é para você.
Danilo Belo Daniel
Danilo Belo Daniel was born in Maceió, Brazil. A passionate language enthusiast, he founded the Polyglot Club Maceió and has organized language-practice meetups since 2014. Although he does not work professionally with languages, his commitment to fostering a multilingual community has made him a recognizable figure in the local language-learning scene. Beyond his linguistic interests, Danilo serves in the Coordination of the Doctoral Program in Teaching at the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL). He also works as a sports photojournalist, capturing dynamic moments through his lens. An avid traveler, Danilo has visited 22 countries—a pursuit that deepens his appreciation for cultures, languages, and global experiences.
Commentary as a language learning tool
Language: English
Audio Description Commentary is a type of commentary normally listened to by people who have visual difficulties or are blind. By attempting to describe what you can see, instead of what your listeners would expect to hear, this can be expanded to be a powerful language learning tool, no matter your language or interest in what's in front of you. Come along and try out ADC and you might discover a skill that you never knew you had!
David Saunders
David is a language enthusiast and polyglot with a deep interest and knowledge of both his own and different cultures. He enjoys traveling and learning obscure languages, and sharing his knowledge with others.
Apprendere l’italiano in modo rapido e divertente con l’ascolto autentico delle canzoni
Language: Italian
Uno dei princìpi della glottodidattica afferma che più piacevole è l'esperienza di apprendimento, più rapida e duratura sarà l'acquisizione linguistica. E che cosa c'è di più piacevole della musica per imparare una lingua? L'ascolto autentico delle canzoni porta nella classe di italiano un’attività che era piuttosto comune prima dell’avvento di internet: provare a trascrivere il testo di una canzone straniera che amiamo. L'ascolto è autentico perché non è guidato dall'insegnante attraverso esercizi, ma lascia gli studenti liberi di scrivere ciò che sentono, prima da soli, poi a coppie e infine in gruppi, in una sfida sempre più coinvolgente e motivante che favorisce lo sviluppo di tutte le abilità linguistiche. Nell’ambito del laboratorio, pensato per apprendenti che abbiano una conoscenza dell’italiano di livello intermedio, prima rifletteremo sui princìpi teorici alla base di questo metodo e poi lo proveremo praticamente lavorando insieme su una canzone.
Davide Bozzo
Davide Bozzo is linguistic specialist at the Centre for Language Evaluation and Certifications of the University for Foreigners of Perugia. He taught Italian language and culture in the same university as well as at the University of Florence and he was director of the Cinque Terre Summer School. He received a PhD in philosophy (University of Pisa) and a master’s degree in teaching Italian as L2 (University of Padua). In addition to language education, he also deals with sociolinguistics and dialectology. He is artistic director of a Ligurian language music festival and he writes lyrics for his band, five times winner of the Ligurian language song contest.
Intro to Greek: Demystify the Chimera
Language: English, Greek
Have you ever thought it would be cool to know Greek, to Greeksplain fancy words to your friends or just spend every summer at a gorgeous beach? And then you saw a weird alphabet with traumatic memories from math class and words that make no sense? In this workshop we will give you an overview of the Greek language, clarify which parts are important to get started and what can come later, hidden logic and patterns to make the language easier, and top it off with the delicious spice of slang!
Dimitrios Amperiadis, Tilemahos
We are two Greek polyglots living in Germany with a passion for the Greek language.
Procrastination Is Not Laziness—It’s Fear
Language: English
Procrastination is often misunderstood as a lack of discipline, but it is usually a response to fear. In this talk, Elisa Polese reveals the emotional mechanisms behind procrastination and explains why motivated people still delay what matters most. Participants gain practical strategies to move from intention to action, especially in learning and long-term life goals.
Elisa Polese
Elisa Polese is an ICF-certified language coach, polyglot, and international speaker specializing in speaking a language from day one, multilingual learning, and overcoming learning blockages. She has studied over 25 languages and teaches 13, combining language didactics with coaching psychology to help learners achieve fast, confident results
Elisa is known for her dynamic talks and workshops on multilingual learning and intercultural communication. She has lived and taught in several countries across Europe and is the creator of high-impact programs that guide learners from zero to the beginning of B2 in just three months.
Was sind denn nun eigentlich diese Modalpartikel?
Language: German
Das gibts […] nicht! [ja/doch/halt/wohl]
Modalpartikeln sind ein wichtiger Bestandteil der deutschen Sprache, doch leider wird über sie viel zu selten gesprochen. Von Deutschsprachigen und sogar in der Linguistik werden sie noch immer oft als „Füllwörter“ abgestempelt; für Deutschlernende sind sie meist ein einziger Albtraum. Kein Wunder, es wird ja auch in keinem Lehrbuch beigebracht. Aber das wisst ihr wohl schon … oder wisst ihr es doch schon? Ihr wisst es ja vielleicht schon! … eh schon?!
Dabei sind Modalpartikeln eigentlich echt nützlich! Man kann mit diesen kleinen Wörterchen nämlich eine ganze Menge ausdrücken, wenn man weiß wie man sie richtig einsetzt.
In diesem Talk geht es also darum was Modalpartikeln eigentlich sind und wofür sie im Deutschen verwendet werden.
Kommt bloß vorbei! … Ich meinte: Kommt doch vorbei :)
Emi Tedman
Emi is an aspiring polyglot with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Japanese and a Master’s degree in Linguistic Data Science. She loves learning about general linguistic theories and connecting them to language learning and teaching people how linguistic principles can make language learning easier.
Language at Play – Improv Comedy for Polyglots!
Language: English
Join us for “Language at Play” – a fun and interactive workshop joining the worlds of language learning and improvised comedy.
Yes, improv comedy. The one where performers make up comedy on the spot. If you think that looks hard -- guess what? Improvisers do this using the same skills you use to learn a language:
- Active listening
- Embracing uncertaint
- Observation
- Responding in the moment (even when you’re not ready)
And best of all? Everything you say is right and there is no such thing as a mistake.
This is an on-your-feet workshop where we’ll take you through the basics of improv comedy via a series of games and exercises designed to teach the core skills you need onstage while giving you a chance to use your languages. Through playful icebreakers, multilingual games, and sample scenes, you’ll have the chance to express ideas across languages without fear of mistakes. In fact, mistakes are half the fun!
This workshop is beginner-friendly, although any experienced improvisers will be welcomed to help model scenes for others. All explanation will be provided in English, but the games will enable you to freely mix languages.
Erica Pohnan
Erica is a multilingual comedian who performs in 7 languages. She has performed all over the world, where she also teaches both improv and standup comedy as she travels, to help people bring more laughter into their lives. She is a former featured player on the Comedy Club Bangkok improv team who has headlined comedy shows in 8 countries, and most recently learned how to say “I will fight a bear for cake” in Estonian, onstage.
100 Confusing Czech Words
Language: Czech, English
Every language has words that confuse learners — and Czech is full of them. Similar spelling, similar sound, but completely different meanings. It’s frustrating, confusing… and very common.
This workshop is designed for students of Czech who want to finally understand and master these tricky word pairs. Based on the book 100 Confusing Czech Words, you’ll learn how to use some of the most problematic Czech words correctly and confidently in real-life situations.
Forget boring memorisation. We’ll dive into engaging activities, games, movement, and visualisation to make learning natural, memorable, and fun. Recommended level of Czech: A2.
Eva Koudelíková
Eva Koudelíková is a certified Neurolanguage Coach® and the founder of Effective Czech, a social media project that shares free learning materials, short videos, and practical everyday Czech tips with learners around the world. She has been teaching Czech to foreigners for more than 15 years and is passionate about showing students that learning Czech can be fun, visual, and truly effective. She is the author of books such as Perfect Your Czech, 100 Confusing Czech Words, and Eva má problémy. Her goal is to help learners understand both the Czech language and the Czech way of life.
Keine Angst vor Grammatik: Übersichten schreiben für Anfänger
Language: German
Du lernst Deine erste slawische Sprache und kommst mit den Kasus-Endungen nicht zurecht? Du kannst Dir die ganzen Verbformen im Französischen nicht merken? Unregelmäßige Verben im Englischen machen Dir Probleme? Die Deklinations- und Konjugationstabellen in Deinem Lehrbuch verwirren Dich mehr, als sie Dir helfen? Dafür gibt es eine Lösung. Ich zeige Dir, wie Du eigene grammatische Übersichten schreiben kannst, die besser sind als Dein Lehrbuch, und schon nach einer halben Stunde Lernen Dein Umfeld mit Deinen grammatischen Kenntnissen verblüffst. Und das geht auch ohne Lehrbuch und einfach nur mit Sätzen, die Du irgendwo hörst oder liest.
Felicitas Andermann
Felicitas Andermann is a PhD student in linguistics at Leipzig University. She is working on morphological theory and indigenous languages of North America. In her private life, she is interested in Romance and Slavic languages and European folk music.
Grammatik lernen mit Liedern
Language: German, English
Zum Sprachenlernen gehören zwei Dinge: das Verstehen und das Fühlen. So wichtig es ist, die grammatischen Strukturen, Muster, Regelhaftigkeiten einer Sprache zu erkennen und damit systematisch zu arbeiten, so wichtig ist es auch, in die Kultur und Mentalität des Volkes, das die Sprache spricht, einzutauchen, zum Beispiel durch Musik. Wir finden: warum nicht beides verbinden? Wir bringen Euch Lieder mit und zeigen, welche grammatischen Muster man dort entdecken kann. Ihr seid herzlich eingeladen, mitzusingen und eigene Lieder mitzubringen!
Felicitas Andermann & Ronja Sturm
Felicitas Andermann is a PhD student in linguistics at Leipzig University. She is working on morphological theory and indigenous languages of North America. In her private life, she is interested in Romance and Slavic languages and European folk music.
Ronja Sturm is doing her BA in linguistics at the University of Leipzig and interested in linguistic typology, and morphological and syntactic theory, and most things linguistics. She’s currently working on gender and number and likes languages with a lot of affixes. Besides, she likes making music.
Languages & Law
Language: English
Worldwide, law faculties analyse and teach (Forschung und Lehre) primarily national laws in their respective languages. Indeed, Judges, attorneys, in-house concels, officials and other legal professionals also work in relevant languages, as they write and read extensive texts, listen and speak.
Excellent knowledge of a national language is expected. If a recondition for studying at a technical school is school-living exam (as finalization of secondary education) in math, the similar exam for laws is a national language.
Clients, employers and state expect adequate knowledge of particular law and its use through particular language. Therefore, practicing of foreign law is difficult and exhaustive. Both practitioners and academicians developed methods for cooperation and exchange of information. Emigration is nightmare for lawyers.
This text mentions laws in plural intentionally. On the one hand, laws are similar, as they address human behaviour. On the other hand, they differ in countless details, not only due to political, economic, social, cultural and technological differences among nations, as they are also construed differently. In this aspect, laws are similar to languages.
Unsurprisingly under these conditions, widespread anglicisation of contemporary science is troublesome. Certainly, it enables simple communication (including this abstract). However, it decreases our ability to carefully think about law and prefers its Anglo-American variety.
Replacing the national language with English is nonsense. On the contrary, language plurality is desirable. Polyglots are desirable among lawyers, especially legal scholars! Therefore, the section wants to discuss relations of laws and languages with interested participants of the 2026 Polyglot Gathering, not only few lawyers among them.
Filip Křepelka
Filip Křepelka is teacher (since 1997) and professor (junior 2009, senior 2023) of European Union law, introduction to internarnational law, healthcare and medicine law, transport law and comparative issues at Law Faculty of Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia (host city of 2026 Polyglot Gathering). In the past, he was also judicial clerk to vice-chairman of the Constitutional Court (1999-2003) and adviser on European law at the Supreme Administrative Court (2004-2008).
¡A lo Cubano! Siente el ritmo y déjate llevar
Language: Spanish
Asere te voy a decir algo: olvídate de técnicas, de las vueltas complicada y del 1, 2, 3... 5, 6, 7. En cuba nadie baila con presión. Se baila con pasión, amor y diversión. Así que ponte las pilas, que nos vamos con todo. Para que sepas cómo es la verdadera cultura cubana, con tanta alegría y sabor, tienes que dejarte llevar y sentir la música. Aquí en este taller, te voy a dar todas las herramientas que necesitas. No hace falta experiencia, ni pareja ni talento. Solo ganas de moverte, de reír y de entrarle al ritmo. La idea no es de hacerlo perfecto, sino gozarlo y sentir como se vive en Cuba. Así que ven con ganas de bailar, de pasarla bien y dejar la pena en tu casa. Asere, ven acá, que vamos a romper y a llevarnos un pedacito de Cuba en el cuerpo.
Guillermo Manzano Fabré
G is a Cuban polyglot and intercultural expert based in Cologne, Germany. Shaped by Cuban, Italian, and German cultural influences, he brings a deeply personal perspective to intercultural exchange. As a systemic coach and facilitator, he helps people navigate cultural differences with curiosity and confidence.
He is currently completing his Master’s in Business Psychology, with a focus on organizational development and AI. Passionate about Asian and Bantu languages, G explores linguistic and cultural connections across regions. When not studying or coaching, he trains for triathlons, does circuit training, and practices cryotherapy—always pushing himself mentally and physically.
Change of Being, Change of Standing, Change of Owning
Language: English
This talk is about how different languages express permanent and temporary attribute, location and ownership and changes thereof, as well as tips on what to learn first to be able to express yourself without any bottlenecks. Examples from English, Portuguese, Norwegian, Esperanto, Mandarin Chinese and Georgian, as well as from translations. You will be intrigued at how the same verb across different language groups can express staying in a place and becoming something else, and change the way you get into a language and what you get from it!
Hidson Ronaldo Monteiro Guimarães Filho
I am a Brazilian polyglot who has been into languages since the early 2000's forums, delved into systematic studies between 2012 and 2020 and ever since has worked as a professional technical, creative and audiovisual translator.
Mandarin Crash course
Language: Mandarin, English
Mandarin Crash Course: Speak First, Think Later
Curious about Mandarin but intimidated by tones, pronunciation charts, or textbooks? This 45-minute Mandarin crash course is designed especially for polyglots who love using languages, not analyzing them.
From the very first minute, you will be speaking. No tones, no phonetic symbols, no pressure. Instead, you’ll learn Mandarin the way humans naturally do: by listening, mimicking, and interacting. Through carefully guided scaffolding, you’ll pick up useful expressions step by step, building confidence before you even realize it.
The focus of this session is real communication. We’ll practice self-introductions and simple exchanges so that when you meet people at the gathering, you’ll know how to present yourself in Mandarin—from zero to conversation-ready. Expect lots of pair work, group interaction, laughter, and “aha!” moments.
This is not a lecture; it’s an experience. You’ll open your ears, trust your instincts, and let the language flow. By the end of the session, you won’t just know about Mandarin—you’ll feel what it’s like to speak it.
Come curious, leave confident. Let Mandarin meet you where you are.
Pushing Learners to the Wall: How to Create Thinking Pressure Without Killing Confidence
Language: English
Why do so many language learners talk fluently but think so little in the target language? After 21 years of teaching Mandarin, I’ve learned that the problem isn’t a lack of vocabulary or motivation—it’s too much comfort.
In this 45-minute workshop, you’ll discover how to deliberately create productive pressure in the classroom: the kind that forces learners to take a position, defend it, disagree, complain, and reorganize their thoughts—without damaging confidence or rapport. Drawing from real classroom moments, live demonstrations, and practical questioning techniques, I’ll show how to push learners “to the wall” in a way that feels challenging, safe, and surprisingly empowering.
Grounded in one core belief—the best language emerges from struggle, complaint, and disagreement—this session will help teachers move beyond polite answers and surface-level fluency, and instead trigger the kind of thinking that makes language truly stick.
Huimin Zhang
Huimin is a professional Mandarin teacher with a contagious enthusiasm for teaching. Her classes are dynamic, interactive, and intellectually stimulating. Students often describe the experience as “brain-smoking” in the best possible way—their minds are fully engaged, actively processing new patterns and transforming input into their own authentic voice. Rather than relying on rote memorization, she guides learners through meaningful interaction, listening, and speaking. With clear scaffolding and constant encouragement, she helps students build confidence step by step. Her teaching philosophy is : learning Mandarin should be challenging, fun, and empowering at the same time.
Shared Roots: The Baltic–Slavic Linguistic Connection
Language: English
Across Europe, many languages belong to the same large language family known as the Indo-European languages. Within this family there are several branches, including the Slavic languages and the Baltic languages.
The Baltic branch today mainly includes the Lithuanian language and the Latvian language, while the Slavic branch includes languages such as Polish, Russian, and Czech.
Although these languages belong to different branches, speakers sometimes notice surprising similarities. Certain words look familiar, grammatical structures can resemble each other, and some basic patterns of word formation are shared. These similarities are not accidental. They stem from the deep historical relationship between the Baltic and Slavic language groups.
In this presentation, I will explore why Baltic and Slavic languages can sometimes seem partially understandable to each other. I will focus on three main aspects: similarities in vocabulary, similarities in grammatical structure, and the historical connection between the languages, including the hypothesis of a common Proto-Balto-Slavic language.
Why Finnish and Estonian Stand Apart in Europe
Language: English
Europe may appear linguistically uniform at first. Most of the languages spoken in Europe belong to the Indo-European language family. Due to this shared origin, many European languages exhibit similarities in vocabulary, grammatical structures, and historical development, despite often being mutually unintelligible today.
However, not all European languages belong to this large family. Some languages have different origins and therefore look and sound very different. Two examples are Finnish and Estonian, which are spoken in Northern Europe. Although they are located in the same region as many Indo-European languages, they belong to a different language family called Uralic.
This difference is especially noticeable when comparing them to neighbouring languages. The countries surrounding Finland and Estonia mainly speak Indo-European languages, such as Russian, Swedish, and Latvian. These languages share many historical and structural features, but Finnish and Estonian follow very different linguistic systems.
Due to their distinct origins, Finnish and Estonian boast unique characteristics that distinguish them from most European languages. These include different vocabulary roots, a highly agglutinative grammatical structure, and a substantial number of grammatical cases.
Inese Pintāne
Inese Pintāne is a folklore researcher, linguist, and translator. She began her academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Finno-Ugric Studies, followed by two Master’s degrees: one in Semiotics and Electronic Culture and the other in Modern Linguistics. Currently, she is working towards a PhD in Slavic Philology.
But why tones?????? The wacky history of the Chinese language(s)
Language: English with German slides
Did you know that Chinese used to have no tones… and sounded more like Klingon than what you’re used to hearing? Or that while you’re practising your ups and downs, you’re actually pronouncing the ghosts of dead consonants? Or… when you learn the millionth reading of the same Japanese kanji, you get a glimpse into cultural exchanges over time?
Many learners view Chinese tones as one of the biggest hurdles, but to language nerds like us, they are clues in a historical scavenger hunt. In this talk, we will go back thousands of years to retrace how a language with no tones transformed into the tonal languages we hear today.
The engine behind this is tonogenesis, or the process by which sounds disappear and leave behind pitch as a footprint. We’ll discover how tones and other sounds in Chinese languages ended up so different, and also uncover traces of this history preserved and reflected elsewhere. Whether you are battling through HSK 1, fluent in Korean, or just a language nerd who loves a good historical puzzle, this talk will change the way you hear Chinese(s) forever.
Israel Lai
Israel Lai is a composer by day and a language learner by night. He discovered his passion for languages when he first taught himself German on his own. Amidst lockdown, he created the language-linguistics podcast 絮言．狂想, discussing language topics closer to Cantonese listeners and creating listening materials for Cantonese learners. He also runs the YouTube channel Rhapsody in Lingo, creating multilingual videos about his language learning and advocating for linguistic equality, and has appeared in international media from Poland to Wales. Israel is currently PhD candidate in Composition at the University of Manchester. He is also a stenography learner.
Euskera Group Karaoke
Language: Basque
We know singing is one of the best ways to learn a language. We'll have some karaoke songs, we can talk about the meaning for a moment and then sing together!
Standardizing a language, the case of Euskera (and others).
Basque is a very old language with a very recent standardization process. Let's see how we arrived at this standard and compare it with other languages.
Iñaki DPB
Musician, actor and performer. Teacher and museum guide in San Sebastian. Content creator talking about art and culture. And yes, he likes playing with the audience!
From Viking runes to Rødgrød – the tale of Danish
Language: English
Let me take you into the fascinating history of the Danish language, all the way back from Viking runes all the way up to the modern day diversity of Danish and its many dialects. I will focus on what makes Danish stand out from Swedish and Norwegian, its complex phonology system, which makes it challenging to learn for foreigners.
Jacob Overgaard Madsen
I'm Jacob from Denmark, a passionate language learner for many years. My mother tongue, the Danish language, is very close to my heart, and has been for my whole life. I like helping others understand the Danish language better.
Deutsch lernen mit Kinderliedern
Language: German
Wenn du Deutsch lernst, dann komm vorbei und sing deutsche Kinderlieder mit uns! Egal ob du singen kannst oder nicht – wer nicht singen kann, der singt umso lauter mit. Wir werden gemeinsam nicht nur Deutsch üben, sondern auch deutsche Kultur kennenlernen. Wer in Deutschland aufgewachsen ist, kennt bestimmt Kommt ein Vogel geflogen, Hänschen klein oder Grün, grün, grün. Und nach diesem Workshop wirst du sie auch kennen!
Jana Meyer zu Hörste
Jana studies environmental sciences at university in her homecountry Germany and grew up with multiple international experiences. She has participated in student exchange programs her whole life, starting at 8 years old with an exchange to France and has since lived in Canada, Spain and Czech Republic.
She is actively engaged in volunteering with ESN (Erasmus Student Network) as well as groups for environmental activism to fulfill her biggest passion – protecting the environment.
Czech 101
Language: English
A fun and very interactive way to learn basic Czech – for complete beginners. The ideas can be adapted for any language. The Czech lesson will be completely in Czech (no need to panic)
Jeremy Taylor
Jeremy Taylor has been a TEFL trainer since 1998 and gives lessons in Czech so that student teachers can experience the feeling of learning a new language. He's lived in the Czech Republic since 2006 and his Czech should be much better than it is.
Juntos, pero no revueltos
Language: Spanish
«Nunca aprendas dos lenguas de la misma familia al mismo tiempo. Terminarás confundiéndolas y no hablarás correctamente ninguna de las dos.» ¿Cuántas veces has escuchado este consejo? ¿Tiene alguna base científica?
Los estudios hablan de interferencia léxica. Al principio, tal vez te cueste separar con claridad ambos sistemas. Es probable que mezcles el vocabulario y caigas en la trampa de los falsos amigos. La gramática de una lengua podría entrometerse en la gramática de la otra. Y viceversa.
Sin embargo, es común exagerar los inconvenientes y minimizar los beneficios. La realidad es que el parentesco facilita la transferencia entre lenguas. Los cognados se adquieren a gran velocidad. El cerebro recicla estructuras y patrones. Además, nuestra intuición comparativa nos ayuda a detectar mejor las reglas y las excepciones.
¿Deberías estudiar italiano y francés? ¿Portugués y español? Mediante el ejemplo de las lenguas romances, aprenderemos a sortear los obstáculos y a aprovechar las ventajas de estudiar dos o incluso más lenguas de una misma familia a la vez.
Jonathan Martínez
Jonathan Martínez is a communication specialist and writer from the Basque Country. He earned a degree in Hispanic Philology and obtained his PhD in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Seville with a research study on Mexican cinema. He has developed an interest in media analysis, linguistics, and literature.
AI Prompts for Accelerated A0 to C2
Language: English
AI is easily one of the most effective language learning tools out there, but only if you know how to use it. In this talk, you’ll learn exactly how to harness AI at every stage of language learning, from absolute beginner to advanced, to make your study time more productive, efficient, and motivating. You will learn the best strategies for using AI and how to recognize and address its limitations. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a practical cheatsheet of AI prompts you can start using immediately to guide your learning, structure your practice, and accelerate your progress.
Juliette Chirol Hill
Juliette is a passionate language learner with a background in software engineering who combines technology and language acquisition in innovative ways. She learned Polish from A0 to B1 in four months using AI and currently uses AI to overcome the intermediate plateau in Mandarin, progressing from B2 to C1. With a background in software development, Juliette has built several Chrome extensions and web apps designed to tackle common language learning challenges. Her work bridges AI, technology, and effective language learning strategies.
Swing 101: The Universal Language of Partner Dance
Language: English, body language, and exaggerated facial expressions
Ever wonder what it's like to hold a conversation without saying a single word? Welcome to the world of partner dancing, where leads and follows create an intricate dialogue through the wordless, yet infinitely expressive language of connection. In this hands-on swing dance workshop, you'll learn basic steps and connection techniques, just enough vocabulary and grammar to hold your first "conversation" on the dance floor (and face the world-famous Polyglot Gathering dance parties with confidence). If you've never danced before or have already tripped twice today, this workshop is for you. Come with or without a partner, ready to move, laugh, and discover a language that transcends borders and cultures!
Juliette Chirol Hill, Bob Zeng
Juliette has been dancing for over 20 years, driven by the same passion that fuels her language learning: a fascination with how humans express themselves. Dance isn't just a hobby, it's woven into her identity, shaping how she moves through and connects with the world. She has taught beginners in over 10 partner dance styles, from swing to waltz, and has joined dance socials across eight countries including Taiwan, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and France, where she's experienced firsthand how dance transcends linguistic barriers, creating deep connections with locals often without any language in common.
Ergative, Ejective, Endless – A crash course in Kabardian
Language: English
Welcome to a real linguistic challenge: Kabardian is a language of complex grammar, challenging phonemes and words with a ridiculous number of parts, some of which I will do my best to teach you in 45 minutes. You'll come away with a sense of achievement, defeat, or maybe even thirst for more, but I hope you'll have fun as I take you though the fascinating complexities of a language that I know and love, and I'll leave you with a clear idea of what to do next if you wanted to learn it to the full. Sharing the ergativity that Basque has, the ejective consonants that you'll also find in Ethiopia, or the ridiculous verb agglutination that makes Turkish infamous, Kabardian truly is its very own challenge, and a true pleasure once you get somewhere with it.
Introduction to the Circassian/Kabardian language
Language: English
Take a leap towards understanding one of the most enigmatic languages of the Caucasus, a land filled with strange sounds, baffling grammar and a fascinating and fraught history. With a brief background on the languages and history of the region, this talk will then focus on the language there that I know and love best – the Kabardian variety of Circassian. Full of ejective consonants, verbs with half a dozen morphemes, and numbers that make you want to laugh and cry at the same time, I'll do my best to show you what I most love about this very special language and share it through my eyes and the eyes of my friends who have been fortunate enough to speak it from their very first words.
Karl Rose
Although he currently spends his time as a teacher of Spanish and English, two fairly large languages to say the least, or learning Persian to interpret for refugees, Karl Rose has a passion for connecting with speakers of minority languages around the world, making friends with them and encouraging their connection with their cultures and languages. He promises to learn the language of every good friend he makes and hopes he'll manage to keep that commitment before too long. He lives in Devon in southwest England.
Moribund Scripts and Their Political Afterlives
Language: English
This talk explores the curious cultural afterlives of various moribund scripts once used in Southeastern Europe, including Rovásírás, Glagolitic, Bosančica, and Arebica. Though these scripts once played key roles in the development of literacy in the region, none of them “made the cut” with the spread of mass literacy in the 19th and 20th centuries, losing out to the more widely used scripts, Latin and Cyrillic. Today, despite the gestures of including them in school curricula, knowledge of these scripts is largely confined to linguists, historians, and other scholars and enthusiasts.
While the politics surrounding the use of Latin and Cyrillic in places like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia have received a great deal of attention from politicians, journalists, and scholars as an aspect of ethno-nationalist politics, little is understood about the present-day use of these lesser-known, moribund scripts, whether appearing on public signage, souvenirs, or graffiti. This paper explores how these scripts are used today, and how, despite, or perhaps because, the fact that so few people can read them, they come to carry local cultural significance. This not only makes them ripe for commodification but also creates a space for political contestation and struggle.
Kevin Kenjar
Kevin Kenjar is a socio-cultural and linguistic anthropologist based in Rijeka, Croatia. He earned his PhD at the Department of Anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley, and currently works as a postdoctoral researcher on the ERC project "REVENANT: Revivals of Empire" at the University of Rijeka. Additionally, he is the founder and chef of the Naan-Aligned Movement, a conceptual culinary movement that promotes solidarity, cooperation, and diversity through events featuring fusion cuisine that combines the traditions of various member states of the Non-Aligned Movement, spotlighting the culinary contributions of their various cultures and diasporas in all their diversity.
Mobility & Stretching Class
Language: English
Take a break from all the brainwork and join me for a relaxing and fun mobility & stretching session at the Polyglot Gathering! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone who hasn’t stretched in years, this class is for everyone. No flexibility or previous experience is needed — just bring yourself and a willingness to move a little
This gentle class is designed to release tension from long hours of sitting, improve your range of motion, and help you feel more refreshed and energized. We’ll combine simple mobility exercises with easy stretches, guided by calming music and good vibes.
It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your body, recharge your mind, and maybe even learn how to say “ouch, that feels good” in a few new languages
Wear comfortable clothes, bring a towel or mat if you like, and come ready to smile, breathe, and stretch it out with fellow language lovers.
Krisztina Fehér
Hi, I’m Krisztina — a certified fitness & aerobic instructor with over 15 years of experience and an orthopedic surgeon by profession. I’ve always been passionate about movement, health, and the human body. When I’m not in the operating room or leading fitness classes, you’ll probably find me exploring new countries, connecting with people from different cultures, and learning new languages (obviously).
I’m very excited to be part of this amazing community where language meets lifestyle — and to move and stretch together during the event!
Lernen, (un)sinvolle Lernressourcen zu erkennen
Language: German (with slides in English)
Wir alle wissen, dass die Art und Weise, wie man eine Sprache lernt, Einfluss auf den Lernfortschritt hat, aber worauf sollte man achten? Siehst du dich selbst als Lehrer, wenn du selbständig eine Sprache lernst? Ich möchte dir zeigen, warum du das tun solltest.
Heutzutage haben immer mehr Sprachlernende Schwierigkeiten mit der Fülle an Materialien, die man zum Sprachenlernen verwenden kann. Es ist unmöglich, sie alle zu verwenden oder auch nur auszuprobieren. In diesem Vortrag wirst du verschiedene Arten von Lernmaterialien miteinander vergleichen, die Merkmale guter Lernmaterialien erkennen lernen und darüber nachdenken, welche Materialien oder Strategien in deinem Lernprozess noch fehlen.
Lander Van Canneyt
Since having obtained a master's degree in translation studies (2021) and in teaching Dutch and German as foreign languages (2022), Lander has been teaching Dutch full-time to both adults and teenagers with another native language, going from beginners to advanced learners. He held a crash course Dutch at the Polyglot Gathering in 2024. In 2025, he started working as a co-author on DURF! (Plantyn), a workbook for learning Dutch as a foreign language, alongside his teaching job.
You speak the language, but can you read the culture? - Navigating intercultural communication
Language: English
Learning to speak a language is not just decoding words and grammar. It also means decoding cultural norms and customs.
Why does direct feedback feel honest in one language but rude in another? Why do some conversations rely on explicit words, while others expect you to read between the lines? Why can the same message be expressed so differently across languages?
Many polyglots discover that even when everyone speaks the same language, misunderstandings still happen - because beneath the words lie cultural assumptions about politeness, disagreement, hierarchy, and showing emotion.
In this interactive workshop, we explore how culture influences the ways speakers of different languages communicate and build relationships. Using insights from intercultural communication, we look at a few practical frameworks that give you the tools and vocabulary to recognize cultural patterns and adapt to them.
Through discussion, reflection, and short exercises, you will discover how developing intercultural awareness can deepen fluency, prevent misunderstandings, and make communication across cultures more meaningful. You’ll leave with new ways to interpret interactions and move more confidently between your languages!
Linda de Wit
Linda de Wit is an intercultural trainer and consultant. She has lived and worked on four continents and learned seven languages along the way. Through her company Identity Abounds, she helps international teams collaborate more effectively across cultures, borders, languages, and personalities. Drawing on both research and lived multilingual experience, her work explores how our differences can become a source of connection and growth.
Ey Up Mi Duck – unlocking the dialect from Derbyshire and the Peak District
Language: English
It is often said in jest that, in the UK, if you drive 20km and the word for a bread roll changes. Derbyshire and its stunning national park are no exception! In this interactive workshop, I want to share with you some of the funniest and most original corners of the Derbyshire dialect. Together, we’ll pretend we’re sitting in front of the fire of a Peak District pub in leather seats and pint in hand, and try and decipher (and pronounce) the words and phrases that have been exchanged across generations, teapots, dry stone walls and sleepy hamlets.
Luke Jackson
Luke is a British-born polyglot, educator and aspiring writer living in the north of France. He has lived and studied in 8 different countries and has travelled to many more. He is passionate about minoritised languages, linguistic policy and rights and language equality. He works in an international language school in Lille, welcoming French learners of all ages and nationalities for immersive courses. When he is not studying languages, he is most likely running or cycling, trying to locate some weird border on Google Maps or judging people from a terrace with a café allongé in his hand.
Esperanto Crash Course
Language: Esperanto (and elements of other languages)
The main aim of the workshop is to show how knowledge of many languages has a propaedeutical value while learning a second, third, fourth (and so on...) foreign language. Esperanto, as an artificial yet complete and fully operational language system, is an excellent instrument to understand natural languages' systematic solutions and to improve metalinguistic reflection and language awareness. Short grammar and lexical exercises which shows the structure of Zamenhof's language will allow to widen participants’ linguistic horizons.
Maciej Jaskot
Maciej Jaskot is a linguist and professor of Spanish at the University of the National Education Commission in Cracow. He graduated from the Institute of Iberian and Latin American Studies at the University of Warsaw. From 2008 to 2011, he worked as a Polish language teacher at the University of Granada, where he also completed postgraduate studies in Spanish linguistics. His research interests include cultural linguistics, phraseology, and foreign language teaching. Additionally, Dr. Jaskot has an academic interest in Romance and Eastern Slavic languages, planned languages (particularly Esperanto) and language teaching.
Parla come mangi: a journey through Italy’s cuisine, traditions and fun facts.
Language: English
Pizza, spaghetti, pesto, gelato, mamma mia! You know more Italian than you think, and most of it is food. This is not a coincidence.
You can’t learn italian just with food but you can not speak Italian (or to Italians) without it.
Nothing better than a stroll in piazza del Duomo after a piping hot plate of risotto alla milanese, cicchetti after a gondola tour in Venice and a steaming plate of tortellini in brodo in Bologna.
Would you be able to order a pizza with pineapple in Naples? Don’t do it. Neapolitans would rather have a bowl of pasta alla genovese… isn’t it ironic?
We all love pasta carbonara but who was the first person to think of mixing eggs, pecorino and guanciale with pasta?And what has world war two got to do with it?
Do they serve pasta with fried aubergines at the Scala theatre in Milan? Probably not, but a character of an opera gave the name to one of Sicily’s most famous dishes.
In this talk we’ll learn to speak Italian, even with our mouths full.
Maria Giulia Caponcello
Maria Giulia Caponcello is a half Irish, half Italian medical researcher and PhD student, currently living in Spain. With a bilingual upbringing, learning languages and travelling have always been a major aspect of her life which she has embraced with passion. She is currently self-training in Portuguese, French and Basque. She loves cooking and believes that food is a great way to discover not only a language but the culture that goes with it.
5 Fun and Creative Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
Language: English
Do you want to expand your vocabulary but are tired of boring conventional methods? Are you looking for ways to unleash your true, not-so-serious self in the target language, with or without others watching? Are you stuck in a plateau and want to motivate yourself again? Then this talk is for you! We'll talk about five fun, free and creative methods you can use to improve your vocabulary and look at some examples together. Suitable for learners of all languages, especially Spanish, German, Greek, French or Hungarian, who feel stuck getting past beginner (or intermediate) level. Let's get unstuck together!
Maria Spantidi
Maria was born and raised in Greece. At the age of 20, she caught the language learning bug while testing a new language learning website. She went on to learn several languages by taking on fun and creative challenges. A language learning bet with herself prompted her to move to Germany, where she lived and worked, using German, a language she learned completely for free. Her book Fluent For Free inspired many language learners and some famous polyglots to learn and teach languages more effectively.
Corfiot Linguistic Heritage: Exploring Venetian and Italian Influences
For over four centuries, Corfu stood at the crossroads of Greek and Italian worlds. During Venetian rule (1386–1797), language became one of the most enduring traces of this encounter. The Corfiot dialect emerged as a distinctive variety of Greek, shaped by sustained contact with Venetian and Italian in administration, trade, culture, and everyday life.
This talk explores how foreign elements entered the dialect and were gradually reshaped through Greek phonology and morphology, becoming part of local speech rather than remaining external borrowings. Through concrete examples of loanwords and structures, it reveals how history is preserved in language.
The presentation also addresses the current status of the Corfiot dialect, its gradual retreat in favor of Standard Greek, and ongoing efforts to document and preserve it, highlighting its value as a linguistic and cultural archive of the Mediterranean.
Marilena Koufogianni
Marilena Koufogianni is a linguist and translator. She holds a Master’s degree in Language Sciences from the University of Ca’ Foscari in Venice, where she wrote her dissertation on Venetian and Italian influences on the Corfiot dialect of Greek. She is combining academic research with professional experience in translation, diplomacy, and cultural institutions. She is particularly interested in dialects as expressions of historical memory and community belonging.
Carmina Latina antiqua et recentiora
Language: Latin
Carmina constat multum prodesse discipulis in linguis ediscendis. Etiam Latine multa cani possunt – cum carmina antiqua poetarum, tum quaedam mediaevalia et etiam multo recentiora. In hac schola canemus carmina metrica Horatii, Catulli et Ovidii sat simplicibus et iucundis modis musicis illustrata, quaedam mediaevalia (ex Carminibus Buranis deprompta) nec non recentiora, nostro aevo exarata.
Martinus Loch
Dr. Marcin Loch (better known as Martinus) is an independent researcher, private Latin teacher and founder of “Schola Latina – Ad Fontes”, where he teaches Latin online using a direct approach. In his free time, he plays organ, engages in carpentry, furniture restoration, and watchmaking, and tries to combine his passions with the Latin language—which isn't difficult, as numerous books have been written in Latin about all of these topics.
Learning to Understand Without Learning to Speak: A Case Study of Scandinavian Languages
Language: English, Danish
In multilingual contexts, language competence is often equated with the ability to speak fluently. However, everyday communication frequently relies on a different skill: understanding. This talk explores the idea of learning to understand without necessarily learning to speak, using the Scandinavian languages as a case study.
Focusing on Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian, the talk examines how learning one Nordic language can provide access to others through mutual intelligibility. Particular attention is given to Danish as a learning starting point and to the ways in which its phonetic complexity, shared vocabulary, and grammatical similarities influence the comprehension of other Scandinavian languages.
The presentation combines linguistic insight with real-life examples from the perspective of a learner who speaks Danish, illustrating how receptive skills develop in practice. Drawing on experiences from language study and everyday encounters with Swedish and Norwegian, it highlights why understanding between Scandinavian languages is often asymmetrical and how learners adapt their listening strategies accordingly.
Rather than approaching the topic from a purely theoretical angle, the talk introduces the concept of receptive multilingualism in an accessible way and discusses its practical relevance for students, migrants, and language enthusiasts.
Martyna Elżbieta Sidorowicz Sinito
Martyna Sidorowicz Sinito holds a bachelor’s degree in Danish language and has an academic background in Scandinavian linguistics. Her interests centre on intertextuality and mutual intelligibility across languages. In addition to her formal studies, she has gained practical experience through extended stays in Denmark, where she interacted with native speakers of various Scandinavian languages. In her presentation, she draws on her perspective as a learner and user of Danish to show how receptive multilingualism develops through real-life contact with other Scandinavian languages.
Learning Languages to Belong, Not Just to Speak
Language: English
Many people start learning languages for simple reasons. They want to connect with others. They want to make friends, feel included, and belong to a community.
However, language learning is often treated as a technical skill focusing on efficiency, fluency, and correctness. In this talk, I argue that this way of thinking can cause us to overlook what language learning is actually about.
Growing up in Japan, a largely monolingual environment, I once believed that speaking English well would naturally lead to meaningful relationships. Through real-life experiences and later through studying applied linguistics, I realized that speaking a language is not the same as belonging to a community.
Drawing on research in second language acquisition, multilingualism, and discourse, as well as my studies at UCL, this talk explores how language learning is closely connected to participation, identity, emotion, and social interaction. I also examine why environments like Polyglot Gathering make it easier to connect with others, even when participants have very different language levels.
This talk invites learners, educators, and community builders to rethink language learning. Not as the pursuit of perfect speech, but as a way to participate, connect with others, and find a sense of belonging.
Masato Inoue
Masato Inoue is a master’s student in Applied Linguistics at University College London (UCL). He previously worked as an English teacher in Japan, then at an EdTech company, and later founded his own English education business. Through both teaching and industry experience, he developed a strong interest in multilingualism, second language acquisition, and discourse. His current work focuses on how languages are learned through play, experiences, and meaningful participation in real communities. He aims to bridge applied linguistics research with practical language education and multilingual learning spaces.
Le patuet : l’histoire passionnante de la langue catalane en Algérie
Language: Catalan with French slides
Le patuet (en français : pataouète) était la variété de catalan parlée en Algérie pendant l'administration coloniale française. Originaire principalement de Minorque, d'Alicante et du Roussillon, il était caractérisé par des influences françaises et arabes et, en même temps, a influencé l'argot français des "pieds-noirs".
Matias Barmat
Systems analyst and majored in Journalism. Director of Recruitment for HYPIA (The International Association of Hyperpolyglots).
Introduction to Lojban , Enkonduko al Loĵbano
Lojban is a conlang in the 1980s, created to explore communication between humans and computers. This will be an introduction to the language covering simple grammar and vocubulary and hopefully you'll learn a couple of phrases too.
Matt Peperell
Matt is a software professional living in the UK. His hobbies include languages (mainly Esperanto and Mandarin), mathematics and bell-ringing.
Musical language quiz
Language: Multilingual
How good are you at recognizing various spoken languages? And what about sung languages? Come to our quiz show and try to guess what language the songs are in!
If you participated last year or during the Polyglot Gathering Online, don’t worry, the songs will be different.
Matthieu Desplantes
Matthieu is from France but has been living in Austria for 5 years, after 7 years spent in Slovakia. He studied computer engineering. He speaks (to various degrees) French, Esperanto, English, Polish, German, Russian and Slovak; he is currently busy improving his Polish and German and trying not to forget Slovak. Aside from languages and travelling, he likes science (especially astronomy), cooking and bicycling. He also has a YouTube channel and a blog about languages. He has been a core organizer of the Polyglot Gathering since 2017.
Ek Erilaz – A short introduction to runes and their history
Language: English
Step beyond the clichés and into the real world of runes. Ek erilaz is a sharp, provocative, and myth-busting presentation designed to challenge what you think you know about these ancient letters. Far from mere fortune-telling icons or fantasy props, runes carry a complex story shaped by shifting cultures, evolving alphabets, and centuries of scholarship—and misunderstanding.
In this talk, we dive into the discipline of runology itself: what it studies, how it works, and why it matters. We will confront the most persistent misconceptions head-on, exposing where popular beliefs come from—and what the evidence actually shows. From the earliest inscriptions etched in wood and stone to the branching development of the Elder, Younger, Anglo-Saxon and Medieval futharks, you’ll follow the runes’ journey through history, literature, and language.
Along the way, we’ll explore current research and the debates animating modern runologists: origins, functions, sound values, and cultural context.
This is not just an introduction—it’s an invitation to rethink runes entirely. Prepare to unlearn, to question, and to rediscover.
Matze Ventura Lang
Matze is a Carioca-Swabian Hyperpolyglot, with a BA in Philosophy and Cultural Anthropology and language enthusiast currently located in Oslo, Norway. With a deep interest for language and it’s nuances, he’s pursuing his Masters degree in Philosophy and Scandinanvian Studies with a focus in Medieval studies. Beyond his passion for etymology and historical linguistics Matze is also a language teacher, helping people around the world to perceive language by the optic of history, culture and philosophy.
Swahili – Insights into the world of a Bantu language
Language: English
Swahili – it sounds like an African adventure and, to Western ears, like a different (linguistic) world. Have you always wanted to know what ‘simba’, ‘rafiki’, and ‘hakuna matata’ from ‘The Lion King’ really mean? Do ‘safari’, ‘Swahili’, ‘sukari’, ‘marahaba’ and ‘salama’ sound strangely Arabic to you? Can you recognise the Portuguese, German and English origins of ‘meza’, ‘shule’ and ‘picha’ from the colonial era? Who does actually speak Swahili as their mother tongue, or is it just an artificial lingua franca? And if you're wondering whether it should correctly be called ‘Swahili’ or ‘Kiswahili’, then we're already at the heart of the nominal classes characteristic of Bantu languages.
This lecture will provide you with answers to these and other questions. You will learn about the logic and mindset of this Bantu language and discover that Swahili is actually quite easy to learn. Swahili can open up a whole new (linguistic) world to you, connecting you to approximately 100 million people in Tanzania, Kenya and throughout East Africa! I will share with you my experience of learning Swahili from scratch in a couple of months including a stay in Tanzania in January 2026.
Michael Patscheke
Michael Patscheke, *1967, is a language enthusiast from Germany. His main interest is comparative grammar and etymology. He started learning mainly Germanic and Romance languages as a hobby as a high school student and has been fascinated by the links between languages ever since. His latest language adventure was to learn the Bantu language of Swahili and travel individually to Tanzania to actually use the language on site with the locals. Apart from German, he is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Italian and has basic knowledge in several other languages – especially when it comes to the structure and grammar.
A Friendly Introduction to the Armenian Language
Language: English
Have you ever been to Armenia? Were you able to say “thank you” during your last trip to Yerevan? Did you already make some Armenian friends in the many diasporas around the world? Or are you simply curious to learn what all of this is about? No matter how familiar you are with Armenia and the Armenian language, this presentation will take you on an exciting journey and it will leave you enriched with new insights. We will talk about the birth and the diffusion of the Armenian language, explore its unique alphabet, and introduce its different variations. We will also examine the current diffusion of the Armenian language in the world, the various communities of the diaspora and their linguistic islands. Finally, we will teach you some Armenian words and we will speak a bit of Armenian, to give you a feeling of the language, with transliteration and English translation included on the slides to help you follow along. We can’t wait to begin this journey! Can you?
Michele Galasso, Stephen Artinian
Michele Galasso is a young scientist from Italy. He combines a strong technical background, holding a MSc in Engineering Physics and a PhD in Materials Science, with a variety of hobbies mostly related to the humanities. Beyond his work as a battery researcher, Michele is an accomplished saxophone player, a passionate reader and a language enthusiast.
Stephen Artinian partners with senior leaders as an Executive Coach. In his spare time he collects languages, books, and travel miles with equal enthusiasm, occasionally surfacing to play the piano.
The Expat Language Learner: Talking Your Way Into a New Country
Language: English
Moving to another country transforms language learning from a hobby into a daily necessity. For millions of expats around the world, learning the local language isn’t just about curiosity or travel, it’s about building a life: making friends, navigating bureaucracy, finding work, and feeling at home.
In this talk we will explore the motivations, challenges, and social dynamics that shape language learning in an expat context, drawing on insights from the Tandem language learning community with tens of millions of members from around the world.
Why do some expats become fluent while others remain stuck for years? What role do communities, both online and offline, play in the learning process? Why is living in a country often not enough to guarantee real language progress?
This talk examines the psychology and realities of expat language learning and shares practical insights into how accessible environments, supportive communities, and human connections can dramatically accelerate the path to fluency.
We will also introduce Tandem’s “DeutschConnect” initiative, which is designed to help migrants in Germany practice their German, by connecting newcomers and locals through conversation and community.
Michelle Kubitza, Tobias Dickmeis
Tobias is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of the language learning community Tandem, based in Berlin/Germany. Since launching the Tandem mobile app in 2015, more than 35 million members around the world have joined the community to practice 300 different languages together and learn from each other.
While living abroad, Michelle loved learning new bits of foreign languages and cultures every day. Working in Tandem’s multinational environment, she discovered her passion for German as a foreign language, too. She now heads DeutschConnect, a Tandem initiative funded by the EU that provides migrants in Germany with free speaking practice.
Dainuok lietuviškai! Sing in Lithuanian!
Language: Lithuanian and English
Join me in the singing in Lithuanian language workshop! I have 19 years of experience in teaching breathing, warming-up excercises, improvising and singing various songs, but I’ve never taken part in the Polyglot Gathering – this is one of my dreams.
Milda Arčikauskaitė
Milda is singer, voice over artist, and dancer, particularly interested in experimental, improvisational music with some ethno flavors. She has been working as voice teacher for 19 years. Now Milda works for the Business News magazine in Vilnius as a podcaster and sound director. She loves her native language – Lithuanian – one of the oldest and most antique languages in the world and she always tries to articulate clearly in her language.
Milda loves communicating with people in different languages.
Rukopisná cyrilika — umenie línií
This workshop introduces Cyrillic handwriting as both a cultural and visual practice. We begin with a brief overview of the history of the Cyrillic script, from its origins to how and where it is used in the modern world. The workshop then moves into a hands-on practice session. Step by step, you will learn to write the Russian cursive alphabet, explore basic letter connections, and practice writing a few words while developing a sense of rhythm and flow in handwriting. In the final part, each participant will create a small decorative piece — a handwritten aphorism on thick paper — to take home as a personal keepsake and a result of your creative work. This workshop is suitable for beginners and requires no knowledge of the Russian language. It offers a chance to slow down, connect with a writing tradition, and experience the pleasure of writing by hand.
Olga Khrastinova, PhD.
Olga Khrastinova, PhD, is a lecturer of English and Russian at the University of Žilina. She focuses on the issue of the formation of new words in Slavic languages. Her areas of interest include interlingual interference, neology, and sociolinguistics. She is the author of several scientific articles, primarily focused on word formation and interference in Slavic languages.
Multilingual concert with Helga and friends
Language: Multilingual
Traditionally, since my participation in the Polyglot Gathering offline, I usually organise multilingual concerts. This year, I would like to repeat this tradition and make a multilingual concert with songs in different styles such as pop, jazz, bossa nova, latino, and in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Bulgarian, Romanian, Slovak and many others). I would like to share my love for music with my polyglot friends and that's why, I need an active audience!!! Come and sing with me!!!!
Song lyrics as an important resource for learning the grammar of any language (on the examples of my experience with Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese)
Language: English, Brazilian Portuguese and Japanese
Two years ago, I presented a talk about how pronunciation and singing can contribute to language learning. This time, I would like to talk about music again but in a little bit another context, namely regarding song lyrics. When exploring songs from Brazil and Japan, could I really find any good examples of difficult grammar of Portuguese and Japanese? What are these examples? How can we remember this concrete grammar? I will answer all of these questions by explaining and singing a cappella. That's why, dear language and music fans, welcome to my talk!!!
Olga Koeva
Olga Koeva is a Bulgarian hyperpolyglot and a professional organist and pianist. She has a Bachelor’s degree of sacred music and a master’s degree of organ improvisation. Additionally, Olga has a Bachelor’s degree of International Relations and Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Regensburg, Germany. In March 2024, she successfully completed her Master’s degree of Management of Intercultural Studies at the same university and obtained a Grade A (1.0) for her Master’s Thesis.
Olga Koeva has always been interested in studying, practising, analysing and improving languages. Olga speaks 14 languages fluently and is still improving them by reading literature in all these languages, listening to radio and communicating with her friends. Since August 2024, Olga Koeva has been teaching Bulgarian, Dutch, Swedish and Norwegian on iTalki.
Documenting Jirim: A Language of Nigeria
Language: English
Nigeria is home to over 500 languages, many of them primarily maintained through oral traditions. Multilingualism is the norm, and many people speak at least one local language alongside wider regional and national lingua francas such as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and English. As dominant languages expand into more domains, local languages shift in response.
Jirim is one of these languages. Its speakers inhabit several villages in Taraba State, Nigeria, and are in regular contact with speakers of Fulfulde, Hausa, Jukun, Mumuye, Tiv and other languages. Mobility and new technologies are also reshaping language transmission, as many Jirim move to cities and family networks become dispersed. At the same time, settlement patterns, livelihoods, and everyday material culture are changing.
This talk presents my ongoing collaboration with the Jirim community to document their language and traditions as they are practiced today. We have recorded nearly 50 hours of personal narratives, oral histories, cooking demonstrations, songs and musical performances. In this presentation, I reflect on the multilingual setting and my fieldwork so far, and I present several grammatical features of Jirim. We will also practice a typical exchange of greetings in Jirim.
Olga Olina
Olga is currently describing the grammar of Jirim, an endangered and previously undocumented language spoken in Nigeria. Her interests include language documentation, urban multilingualism in Berlin and rural multilingualism in Nigeria, as well as ancient languages and scripts.
Clever zur Mehrsprachigkeit mit System
Language: English
Seid ihr gerade am Anfang eures Sprachenabenteuers? Habt ihr verschiedene Sprachen entdeckt und möchtest am liebsten direkt durchstarten? Warum klingt harvest so ähnlich wie „Herbst“? Was ist mit yield und „Geld“? Und was haben llegar, chegar, plier, plicare und a pleca mit Segeln, Zelten und dem Falten zu tun?
Die folgenden Themen geben besonders viel Potenzial her, um euch diese oben genannten Zusammenhänge aufzuzeigen:
- Allgemeine vergleichende Sprachwissenschaften
- Wortherkünfte / Etymologie
- Phonologie
- Sprachgeschichte
Mehrsprachig zu werden erfordert Disziplin und Ausdauer, um Vokabeln zu lernen und sich seine Sprachkompetenzen aufzubauen. Besonders, wenn mehrere Sprachen aus einer Familie gelernt werden, helfen systematische Ähnlichkeiten aus dem Wortschatz, der Morphologie, der Aussprache sowie die Grammatik, den Lernprozess zu beschleunigen
Nach diesem Vortrag werdet ihr einen guten Überblick über alle Sprach-Hacks bekommen und dadurch viel strukturierter und schneller Vokabeln lernen können!
Patrick Geneit
Patrick Geneit is a language enthusiast, having studied many Romance languages, some other Germanic languages and Asian languages like Japanese. On his way, he picked up a lot of linguistic and etymological knowledge that supports keeping all the languages in his mind together. He can also help giving tips on how to study languages while having a very busy life with studies, work and other hobbies like making music.
Grønland - Vikingtidens klikkagn & Greenland - a clickbait in the Viking Age
Language: English
How come an island, almost 80% of which is covered with ice, ever came to be called Greenland? Have you ever heard a name "kalaallisut"? Let me unravel the complexity of a little known language. We're going to discover what features make it special.
Paul Suder
Paul works as a language teacher in Norway. He has got a master's degree in the Far East languages with specialization in linguistics from the Jagiellonian University. He completed practical pedagogical education in Japanese at the University of Oslo. Moreover, he studied Spanish and German language and literature at the University of Bergen. After having experienced teaching adult immigrants, he is nowadays undergoing formal education in Norwegian as a Second Language. He is devoted to teaching, learning and exploring new languages.
El refranero español
Language: Spanish
En España no contamos lo que nos pasa: lo soltamos en forma de refrán. Si todo va bien, «miel sobre hojuelas». Si empieza a torcerse, «mal de muchos, consuelo de tontos». Si la cosa ya pinta mal, «llover sobre mojado». Y cuando el día se va definitivamente al garete… «éramos pocos y parió la abuela». Aquí no hay drama sin refrán. Da igual si es el trabajo, el clima, el amor o la hipoteca: siempre aparece alguien con una frase hecha y cara de sabiduría ancestral. Hoy vamos a demostrar que en España hay un refrán para todo… incluso para cuando no quieres ninguno. Así llevamos siglos explicando la vida: con ironía, resignación y bastante mala leche.
En nuestra charla interactiva te vamos a preparar un divertido Kahoot muy «made in Spain» con el cual aprenderemos por qué estas frases siguen tan vivas y cómo usarlas sin parecer tu cuñado en la cena de Navidad.
Pedro Rodriguez Trigo & Ander Chocarro Salaberria
Pedro and Ander are two Spanish friends and language enthusiasts who, despite coming from scientific academic backgrounds, have already learned several languages. Pedro began his career as a language coach and language-learning content creator about a year ago, whereas Ander is a researcher in mathematics and pursues language learning as a hobby.
This time, however, they are coming together to host an interactive and fun workshop in their native language. It will focus on one of the most difficult yet beautiful aspects of learning a foreign language: sayings and proverbs—an area in which Spanish is particularly rich.
In cuors accelerau dil lungatg romontsch (sursilvan)
Language: Romontsch Sursilvan with Spanish slides
Rumantsch, the fourth official language of Switzerland, is a fascinating and one-of-a-kind Romance language and the perfect entry to Swiss culture. Let’s explore the unique rhythm, hodgepodge grammar, and history of the Rumantsch language.
Being a minoritized language within its home canton of Grischun/Graubünden, revitalization efforts and resources are almost exclusively available through German, meaning it is often forgotten among the Romance languages. Until now!
The goal of this workshop is to teach the most spoken idiom, romontsch sursilvan, for those with knowledge of another Romance language. We’ll run through the grammar, find commonalities with other Romance languages, and learn how Rumantsch has changed after centuries of heavy Germanic influence. Then we’ll practice speaking Rumantsch with dialogues, audios, and songs, and hopefully by the end, tuts san discuorer in tec quei bi lungatg.
Pierce Moen
Pierce Moen is an American polyglot having lived for the last four years in Switzerland. Having a great appreciation for the multilingualism of the country, he has learned Swiss German and continues to study Rumantsch, with the goal, alongside other language projects, of learning other local Swiss languages including Ticinese Lombard and Évolènard Patois (Arpitan), as well as languages of many minority groups in Switzerland today.
Gjuhëtarët flasin shqip – Albanian crash course
Language: English
Mbrëmë, ndryshëm, shfaqin – yes, this is correct spelling of some basic Albanian words. Looks exotic? It is actually much easier than you think as Albanian is a perfectly phonetic language. You will be able to read any Albanian word after this session. You will also hear real Albanian and its intriguing sounds. Finally, you will see how familiar it is to you due to Latin, Greek, Slavic and Turkish influence.
Now you finally have a chance to touch this probably most neglected European language at Polyglot Gatherings! Let’s change it in 2026! Hajde shkojmë!
Piotr Pedro Cios
Piotr Cios, a Polish guy from Portugal. A linguist by profession and passion. He loves learning languages by immersion and without any pressure. Teaching a language - no! Teaching, how you can learn a language - yes! He loves learning through music and believes you should start speaking the language from day one. His private polyglot rule is "one language per family". His favourite areas of linguistics are semantics, phonetics and etymology.
Lär dig jonglera
Language: Swedish
I en lugn och trevlig miljö kommer du att lära dig grunderna i jonglering och samtidigt lära dig svenska på ett enkelt sätt. Kom och var med på en rolig stund, där du kan träffa nya människor, skratta och lära dig något nytt. Gör dig redo att visa vad du kan, ha kul och skapa fina minnen! 😊
Prasanna Deshapriya
Prasanna Deshapriya is a polyglot juggling seven languages at different levels. This time, at PG 2026, he’ll help you start juggling for real – no pun intended. A beginner himself just a few years ago, he learned to juggle at PG 2022 in Terezín, Poland. Now he returns to the Polyglot Gathering to share this new passion with participants, building on the success of two editions of Juggling 101 held in French and Italian in Prague and Brno over the past two years.
The Diversity of Sign Languages: How (Not) Similar Are They Really?
Language: English
Throughout my career as a sign linguist, I have often been asked: 'Wait, there’s no universal sign language?' My answer is always: 'That’s right!' Usually, the next question is: 'At least they’re similar to each other, aren’t they?' While some are, many are completely distinct. In this talk, I want to introduce you to the world of sign languages (there are at least 200 of them) and explore their fascinating similarities and differences. I will also discuss the powerful role visual iconicity plays as a driving force in these languages.
Rafał Darasz
Rafał is a linguist and a language enthusiast from Poland. He is currently a PhD student specializing in sign linguistics. He's got an MA in Baltic Philology, Sinology and Polish Sign Language Philology. He’s been interested in language learning and linguistics since middle school and has studied many different languages, including sign languages. One of his fields of interest is language comparison. He is also fond of music, especially singing and Eurovision Song Contest, but he also plays a little bit of guitar and ukulele.
A Dip into Bolognese: Mé a dscårr in bulgnaiṡ
Language: English
This is a look at how I’m starting to learn Bolognese in preparation for the Polyglot Conference in Bologna this November. I’ll share the books and materials I’ve found, along with some information about the language itself, including its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
An Introduction to Jèrriais
Language: English
A workshop to introduce you to some Jèrriais that you can use and to highlight some of the grammar and vocabulary. I especially want to highlight some of the key grammatical differences between Jèrriais and French.
Richard Simcott
Richard Simcott is a British polyglot, who has studied over 50 languages. HarperCollins described him as one of the most multilingual people in the United Kingdom, and the Goethe Institute gave him the title Ambassador for Multilingualism.
He has many years of consulting experience using languages with diverse clients and offering his expertise on multilingual and multinational projects.
He is the original founder of the Polyglot Conference and The Language Event and manages a popular Facebook page called Speaking Fluently.
Designing an Identity: The Art and Ethics of Accent Modification
Language: English
Why do we change the way we speak? For many, “accent reduction” carries a stigma of cultural erasure or a lack of authenticity. But for the modern polyglot, performer, and global leader, accent modification is a powerful tool for empathy and precision.
In this session, dialect coach Ruben Adery explores the “Who” and “Why” of phonetic adaptation. Drawing from over 15 years of case studies, ranging from CEOs seeking executive presence to performers mastering a regional soul, we will debunk the myth that an accent is a fixed trait. Instead, we view it as a linguistic “feature” equivalent to vocabulary or grammar.
We will discuss the psychological shifts that occur when we “try on” a new sound system and how modifying one’s accent can actually deepen cultural connection rather than hide it. Whether you’re a student navigating “non-native” plateaus or an educator helping others find their voice, this talk offers a fresh, empowering perspective on the relationship between how we sound and who we are.
The Phonetic Mirror: Why "Doing it Wrong" is the Secret to Teaching it Right
Language: English
G is a Cuban polyglot and intercultural expert based in Cologne, Germany. Shaped by Cuban, Italian, and German cultural influences, he brings a deeply personal perspective to intercultural exchange. As a systemic coach and facilitator, he helps people navigate cultural differences with curiosity and confidence.
He is currently completing his Master’s in Business Psychology, with a focus on organizational development and AI. Passionate about Asian and Bantu languages, G explores linguistic and cultural connections across regions. When not studying or coaching, he trains for triathlons, does circuit training, and practices cryotherapy—always pushing himself mentally and physically.
Most language teachers shy away from pronunciation because they approach it prescriptively, teaching how a word should sound rather than how it actually sounds in the wild. This leads to a disconnect where students learn rules they can’t physically execute.
In this session, dialect coach and linguist Ruben Adery flips the traditional classroom model. We will explore a descriptive methodology that prioritizes the “hierarchy of sounds” and leverages the student’s native linguistic patterns rather than fighting against them. You will learn the power of the “Phonetic Mirror”: a technique where we intentionally imitate the student’s mistakes to build a bridge toward the target accent. By playing with “intentional wrongness,” changing transliterations, and creating a safe space for vocal play, we remove the stigma of the foreign accent.
Whether you are an educator looking to upgrade your curriculum or a learner hit by a plateau, you will walk away with a specific framework to simplify phonetics, build vocal confidence, and master the physical architecture of speech.
Ruben Adery
Ruben Adery is a Los Angeles-based dialect coach, linguist, and "Leader of Leaders" in the language acquisition space. Fluent in five languages and a former Fulbright Scholar, Ruben has spent 15 years developing innovative methodologies that bridge the gap between academic linguistics and high-performance communication. Known for his uncanny ability to mimic regional accents, he has empowered educators and performers in over 50 countries to achieve native-like fluency. As a CEO and coach, Ruben focuses on the "Physicality of Speech," helping others build the confidence and identity needed to truly connect across cultures.
Interslavic Crash Course for Slavic and Non-Slavic Speakers
Language: Multilingual - English, Russian, Polish, Czech, Interslavic
This workshop is a practical introduction to Interslavic, a constructed language designed to be mutually understandable across Slavic languages. Slavic speakers will discover how quickly they can read, understand, and use Interslavic with minimal effort. Non-Slavic speakers are also welcome and will gain insight into shared structures and patterns common to Slavic languages. No prior experience with Interslavic is required.
Ruslan Kokorin, Michał Swat
Ruslan Kokorin was born and raised in Russia. From 1998 to 2015, he lived in the UK and Ireland and now resides in Cyprus. He runs an online language school for Russian speakers learning English. A passionate language enthusiast, Ruslan loves connecting with people through language.
Michał Swat jest tvorec i prědsědnik Fondacije MedžuSlovjansky Języčny Forum i člen Komisije Medžuslovjanskogo Języka. Medžuslovjanskym językom zajmaje sę od 11 lět, i jest vlastnik najveličejšego medžuslovjanskogo kanala na jutubě i servera na Diskordě. Jedin iz avtorov standarda medžuslovjanskogo języka(isv).
The Arabic Dialect Maze: Find Your Best Starting Point
Language: English
Many people are curious about Arabic… until they discover the dialect dilemma.
With over 20 Arabic-speaking countries and multiple spoken varieties, it’s easy to feel unsure where to begin. Should you learn Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect? How different are they really? And how do speakers from different countries understand each other?
In this talk, I will demystify the differences between spoken dialects and MSA, compare how everyday phrases change across regions, and explain how communication actually works across the Arab world. Together, we’ll explore how to choose a starting point that aligns with your goals.
Beyond Arabic, this session explores a broader question relevant to many polyglots: how do you strategically approach a language with multiple varieties?
If Arabic has ever felt intimidating or confusing, this talk will make it feel clear and approachable.
Sara Eissa
Sara Eissa is a language teacher, coach, and lifelong language learner. With a background in psychology and neuroscience, she is passionate about understanding how people learn and how culture shapes communication. She is the founder of Linguazad, where she teaches conversational Egyptian Arabic in a fun, culture-based way. As a polyglot herself, Sara approaches teaching from a learner’s perspective and enjoys helping others find clarity and confidence in their language journey.
Slovene’s Dual, Pitch Accent and 40+ Dialects
Language: English
We will explore three things that make Slovene “strange” for polyglots:
- The fully alive dual grammatical number, used across nouns, verbs, pronouns and adjectives;
- A pitch‑accent system in the standard language that lets tone carry lexical contrasts;
- And an extreme dialect diversity where “every village has its own voice”.
We will look at how these features work in practice, why Slovene kept them when most other Slavic languages lost them, and what they mean for learners and for Slovene identity today.
Sara Rudman
Sara Rudman is a Slovenian entrepreneur and language enthusiast living in Portugal. She is the founder of Lingoodie, the only language‑learning app that pays users real money for completing lessons. Passionate about making study addictive in a good way, she experiments with gamification and smart monetization to keep learners motivated. She speaks six human languages, dabbles in a few computer ones, has lived in six countries, and is always up for a deep dive into grammatical structures over coffee.
OPOL – a garantee for multilingual proficiency in adulthood?
Language: French (with slides in English)
Learning multiple languages as a child is often advertised as the best way to start off a language journey, but does one indeed need the bilingualism or even trilingualism from the very beginning to become a 'real' polyglot? And can the OPOL- method guarantee talent when it comes to language learning?
Sophie Renn
Sophie is an aspiring polyglot, currently trying to learn Japanese. She's a dedicated postcard writer and marathon runner. When she's not working in the hospital, she's teaching first aid in a driving school or french in the Alliance Francaise of Brno. It's not sure whether her dog Bobi is a polyglot as well, but sure does react to all languages spoken around her.
Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste, ná Béarla cliste
Language: Irish
Are you curious about Irish (Gaeilge)? Would you like to be able to learn cúpla focal (a few words) like how to say basic phrases like "My name is X and I live in" I will do a quick intro on Irish in IRISH like the alphabet using pictures to illustrate how the letters are pronounced. The workshop is interactive so I will ask you questions but don't be scared, the prompts will be on the screen and I will ask everyone the same questions. By the end you will be able to answer some simple questions like "where do you live?" "My name is X" and more.
Stephen Eustace
Stephen was born and raised in Ireland and moved to the Netherlands in 2001. He grew up essentially monolingual and learned most of his languages after the age of 30 and is still learning. Irish was his worst subject in school and he relearned and embraced Irish starting in 2012 aged 43. He was partly responsible for setting up a Pop-up Gaeltacht in The Netherlands where Irish speakers from different countries meet up once a month to converse "As Gaeilge" in different locations. He has also promoted the Irish language in Amsterdam and Den Haag for the European Day of Languages with support from the Irish Embassy. Stephen's day job is a scientist in a Dutch University where he likes to greet everyone in their own language.
Designing Esperanto Stenography Theory: Making Specialized Tools More Accessible
Esperanto may be (one of) the world’s easiest language to learn, but what about learning to write it using steno? With virtually no stenography resources available in Esperanto, I set out to create a steno theory that would be as compatible as possible with existing English steno systems, allowing learners to leverage the wealth of English-language tutorials and materials.
I’ll share my journey using AI to analyze Esperanto’s consonant and vowel clusters, designing chord patterns that feel familiar to English steno users while accommodating Esperanto’s unique features. Along the way, I bumped into unexpected challenges: mapping agglutinative morphology to chord-based input, adapting English steno’s phonetic shortcuts to Esperanto’s perfectly regular orthography (where every letter is actually pronounced), balancing compatibility with linguistic accuracy, and wrestling with compromises between “borrowing from English” and “doing it right for Esperanto.”
This talk explores the practical realities of creating learning resources for niche intersections, where enthusiasm meets scarcity, and where sometimes “accessible” means accepting imperfect solutions that actually help people get started.
Tanja Orme
Tanja enjoys making things! This includes (and is in no way limited to) repairing alarm-clocks, knitting and crocheting, building keyboard layouts, and apparently, stenography theories for constructed languages. All of these create output from logical input, which makes Tanja very happy. She approaches language learning through tools and systems, which led to her Esperanto steno project when existing resources proved virtually non-existent.
A Polyglot’s Fieldwork across "Sudamérica": Crosslinguistic comparison of Quechua, Mapuche and Guarani
Language: English, Multilingual
I will embark on a cross-linguistic field trip to Peru, Chile and Paraguay in the first quarter of 2026. This talk will be focusing on cross-linguistic comparison of Quechua, Mapuche and Guarani from a polyglot perspective. I will examine these 3 languages in 3 different ways. First, from the learner's point of view, what are some unique and interesting phonological and morpho-syntactical elements? Secondly, do these 3 major languages of South American influence each other? in what ways? Thirdly, their relation to Castellano (Spanish) is also a very interesting topic of discussion. Last but not least, I'd like to share how learning indigenous languages can make us a better and more efficient polyglot!
Terry (Chih Hsiang) Hsieh
Terry is the founder of Polyglot.tw. With his lovely team based in Taiwan, he just successfully co-hosted Polyglot Conference Taipei 2025 with the renowned Richard. He is also an immersion program designer/engineer, a published writer, a linguistic entrepreneur, and a language revitalization activist. He began his polyglot journey when he was 20 and has learned more than 50 languages. Today he continues to learn new languages and especially enjoys conversations in different languages. Outside the language world, Terry is also a cat rescuer, a globe-trotter and a serious video gamer.
The Synergy in Mastering Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese
Language: English
Discover the fascinating similarities among Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese, fueled by historical and cultural connections. Tim, drawing from his extensive experience as a professor of Cross-Cultural Management, sheds light on the unifying factor—the use of Chinese characters—and how it shaped the “East Asian Cultural Sphere.”
Tim showcases the potential synergy when studying these languages. Despite their distinct language families, the utilization of Chinese characters binds them together, creating a unique linguistic harmony.
Uncover the significance of Sino-vocabulary shared by Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Tim explores the intricate web of words that find common ground, offering learners a shortcut to mastering multiple languages simultaneously.
Tim unravels grammatical similarities and important differences that make learning these languages much easier.
Explore the politeness levels in Japanese and Korean, uncovering similarities in plain form, polite form, and honorific language. Tim breaks down the intricacies, offering a valuable comparison for learners seeking proficiency in both languages.
As Tim concludes, he encourages language enthusiasts to embrace the challenge of mastering Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Uncover a world of rich cultures and diverse perspectives through the rewarding journey of language acquisition.
Tim Keeley
Tim Keeley is a Japanese citizen and a retired professor of Cross-Cultural Management, who had been learning and using languages around the world as an adult for more than 5 decades.
The best language of science: anything but English!
Language: Multilingual with English slides
English is the language of science… isn’t it? No, it’s not... Thank god, there is something better than English, namely all other languages! Why are Languages Other Than English (LOTEs) better? Scientific research is built on collaboration, which is built on personal connection, which requires language. Which language do you want to use to build this personal connection? Do you use words in English, the language used for transmission of information to generic foreigners – in a European context – or words I. the language of your collaborator?! As the Serbs say “Lepa reč i gvozdena vrata otvara!” A beautiful word opens an iron door! Or West German Chancellor Willy Brandt “If you’re buying, I speak your language. If I’m buying, dann müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen.” There is so much business in science. Or Nelson Mandela “if you speak to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you speak to him in his language, that goes to his heart”. English reaches many heads but fewer hearts…
In this talk, I will practice what I preach, and speak in LOTEs, including Czech, of course, to describe how each LOTE has opened up scientific opportunities by creating interpersonal relationships much more effectively than English, and how science offers wonderful chances to learn LOTEs! I will present the results of our SciLang GLOBAL interview series, which shows how scientists enhance their careers by using languages. I hope more scientists are encouraged to learn languages!
Timothy Douglas
Timothy E.L. Douglas is a lecturer in Chemical Engineering, a researcher in Biomedical Engineering, and addicted to language learning, but if there's a cure for the addiction, he doesn't want it! He is passionate about showing the opportunities for language learning in a scientific career and the benefits of using Languages Other Than English (LOTEs) in science: his favourite idiom is "to kill two birds with one stone". His mottos are that if you want to speak well, you have to speak very badly and very often, or "butcher" a language, and that if you wait and wait until you are ready, you never will be ready! As Lomb Káto said "language is the one thing worth knowing even badly”
Bʰáh₂omos somóm! Branch-hopping in Indo-European
Language: German with English slides
Learn to hop between Slavic, Romance and Germanic! Keeping a handful of sound changes in mind will boost your vocab recognition.
Tomás Recke
Tomás is a Linguistics Student and Conlanger from Switzerland. Their main interests lie in Typology and Historical Linguistics, particularly Proto-Indo-European and the Indo-European Language Family. Their YouTube channel Mangotalk03 has videos about conlangs and linguistics.
The fascinating history of German idioms
Language: English, German
Knowing how the rabbit runs – a wild journey through the fascinating world of German idioms.
You think the German language lacks creativity, wit, and humor?! Then why would Germans bother to tie bears onto others, step into every possible grease bowl, and eventually slide each other’s back down?! Now you’ve really got the salad! 😉
Maybe you’ve been studying German for a quite a bit and now wonder what kind of drugs Germans take to come up with these bizarre cluster of words?! And honestly, what’s the point of over-complicating things, by making them sound like “Bohemian villages”?! Well, as often, there’s much more to it than meets the eye
Join me on a linguistic time travel, all the way back to the Middle Ages, where some of the wittiest, darkest idioms have left their cultural fossils – contrasted by more light-hearted, modern-day expressions, but still meaningful examples that will reveal how German history, mindset and humor are reflected in their language. Whether you’re an advanced learner, a daredevil wanting to sniff into Mark Twain’s favorite love-hate-language, or an “old rabbit” ready to dig even deeper down the hole – by the end of the talk, you’ll know how the rabbit runs 😉 So let’s call the child by their name, add our mustard, and Germanize your mind just a little bit more!
Vanessa Berger
Vanessa, also known as Linguadicta, is a language edupreneur, freelance teacher, and content creator. Over the past few years, she has been teaching her mother tongue to more than 2,000 students across 5 languages. She firmly believes that language learning and personal development are closely intertwined. A seasoned globetrotter in pre-pandemic times, Vanessa meanwhile committed to a nomadic lifestyle, housesitting across Europe while following her mission to guide and coach fellow language enthusiasts through their own lifelong learning journeys.
Acento, identidad y la persona que elegís ser en otra lengua
Language: Spanish
Muchos hablantes multilingües sienten que son otra versión de sí mismos en cada idioma. El acento se vuelve una señal visible de esa identidad en movimiento. En esta charla nos enfocaremos en el aspecto interno y el aspecto externo del acento y la pronunciación: quién estamos siendo cuando hablamos en otra lengua, cómo nos percibimos y cómo nos relacionamos con la forma en que otros nos perciben.
Veremos decisiones concretas, como cuándo buscar integrarnos y mezclarnos, y cuándo elegir resaltar, y cómo esas elecciones pueden servirnos en la vida personal y profesional. Exploraremos creencias típicas como «no pertenezco» o «me quedo afuera», y trabajaremos más allá de estereotipos culturales para conectar con personas reales según nuestras propias preferencias.
La propuesta combina reflexión guiada, ejemplos y un breve ejercicio para definir una «intención de acento» alineada con la identidad que elegimos crear.
Walter Freiberg
Walter Freiberg is an Argentinian life and language coach based in Uruguay. He works with multilingual adults who are reinventing themselves across languages, helping them move from inaction and reaction to conscious, intentional action. Walter combines insights from coaching, skill-building, and identity work to explore how language shapes courage, belonging, and self-expression. He has published a series of graded Spanish readers and hosts the podcast “Poder aprender,” where he shares reflections on learning, transformation, and the art of change.
Is the “Sie” dying? Reflections on formality in German compared to some other European languages
Language: English
With flat hierarchies, startups, and English influence everywhere, many people assume that German formality is on its way out.
In reality, Sie is far from obsolete — but its rules are shifting. In this talk, I’ll explore how formality works in contemporary German, how it differs from other European languages, and why choosing du or Sie can still make or break a social interaction. No previous knowledge of German is necessary.
Werner Skalla
Werner Skalla is a publisher of story-based language learning textbooks and online courses. He is fluent in five languages (German, Norwegian, English, French, and Czech).
How (not) to be rude in Norwegian and Swedish: handling languages that don’t even have a word for “please”
Language: English
Are Norwegian and Swedish informal languages, shaped by an egalitarian society? Some people think so — or even that Scandinavian languages are downright rude compared to other languages. But politeness and formality do exist, they are just more subtle. Learn how to express yourself in an appropriate way in Norwegian or Swedish and how to navigate their often invisible rules of politeness. Previous knowledge of Norwegian/Swedish is not necessary.
Werner Skalla with Joacim Eriksson
Werner Skalla is a publisher of story-based language learning textbooks and online courses. He is fluent in five languages (German, Norwegian, English, French, and Czech).
Joacim Eriksson is a Swedish teacher based in Vienna. He is a co-author of the story-based Swedish course Alfred the Ghost.
Capoeira – quando o corpo vira uma língua
Language: Portuguese
A capoeira não se expressa só com palavras. Na verdade, ela se expressa principalmente pelo movimento. Esse movimento, junto à música, ritmo e reflexo, cria um diálogo que se parece com uma conversa verbal. Na roda de capoeira é preciso se enfocar, observar e responder, igual como numa conversa.
No workshop vamos experimentar um pouco de cada de dois aspectos da capoeira: a música e o movimento. Você vai aprender o movimento base – a ginga – e uns movimentos principais. Também vamos cantar as canções tradicionais da capoeira.
Nenhuma experiência prévia é necessária para participar. O único que requisito é a vontade de experimentar um novo jeito de se expressar e comunicar e, claro, um pouco de axé.
Wiktor Gołaszewski
Wiktor is a Polish language enthusiast exploring how movement and culture shape communication. Passionate about languages, capoeira and wildlife, he has been practicing capoeira for almost three years and sees it as more than a martial art — a living language of rhythm, attention and response.
Deeply interested in language learning beyond textbooks, he enjoys connecting physical experience with linguistic awareness. When he’s not studying languages or training capoeira, he dreams of working with wildlife and building bridges between cultures through movement, music and communication.
How multilingual journaling bridges the gap between learning and real progress
Language: English
Think you’re not progressing in your languages? Unlock the real secret to language progress. If studying from textbooks and memorising vocabulary lists haven’t taken you as far as you hoped, this talk is for you.
Multilingual journaling has helped many language learners achieve better results and it might be the missing piece in your own journey. This talk uncovers the hidden power of journaling in your target language(s) and shows practical tips for building a sustainable journaling habit (even for people who “don’t have time”). Come discover how this simple habit can turn passive knowledge into confident and natural expression.
In this talk, you will learn:
- How to use simple daily prompts to build a consistent journaling habit
- Techniques for writing in multiple languages without feeling overwhelmed
- Ways to turn passive vocabulary and grammar into natural, personal expression
- Methods for reviewing past entries to track progress and stay motivated
Wiktoria Ozierów
Certified hyperpolyglot and Director of Youth Engagement at the International Association of Hyperpolyglots (HYPIA). Fluent in Polish, English, Italian (C2), Portuguese, Spanish (C1), French (B2). Blog author, language tutor, experienced speaker (e.g. Trinity College Dublin) and active participant in many international conferences. Graduated in International Relations, currently pursuing Master’s degree in International Management at the University of Economics in Krakow. Also studied Economics and Political Science (in Italian) at Roma Tre University in Rome. Her mission is to help and inspire others to learn languages by sharing her own experience and effective language learning methods.
«Jævla Shpa!» – En innføring i kebabnorsk
Language: Norwegian
Vi inviterer deg inn i en energisk og ærlig innføring i kebabnorsk – et multietnolekt formet av migrasjon, flerspråklighet og livet på Oslo øst. Dette er språket som vokste fram mellom blokkene og bakgårdene på Grünerløkka, i skolegårder og på fotballbaner, der etnolekt, slang og dialekter smeltet sammen.
Vi skal snakke om code-switching – hvordan man glir mellom «standard» norsk og gateprat på et halvt sekund – og hva det sier om identitet. Hvem får eie språket? Hvorfor blir kebabnorsk både feiret og latterliggjort i populærkulturen? Og hva sier det om Norges språkpolitikk og synet på det flerspråklige Norge?
Jeg er fra Grünerløkka på Oslo øst. Jeg vokste opp med dette språket i ørene. Nå holder jeg talken sammen med en kompis som selv flyttet til Norge – og lærte seg både bokmål og kebabnorsk. Sammen utforsker vi hvordan språk ikke bare handler om grammatikk, men om tilhørighet, makt og hvem som får definere hva som er «ordentlig norsk».
Kom for slang — Gå derfra med nye perspektiver!
Yousef Hjelde Elmofty & Matheus Ventura Lang
Yousef Hjelde Elmofty is a Norwegian-Egyptian biology student at the University of Oslo with a long-standing fascination for languages, both as systems and as living cultural practices. He’s interested in developing proficiency in multiple languages and other areas of knowledge, and is currently learning Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.
I speak Norwegian and English fluently, and have some working proficiency in Spanish and Arabic, with additional experience in Portuguese and Classical Arabic through formal study. I enjoy exploring grammar, etymology, and the overlap between linguistic structure and cognitive patterns.
Outside of languages, I’m interested in molecular biology, biodiversity and botany.
Matze is Swabian-Carioca language enthusiast who recently moved to Norway to pursue his studies in Scandinavian Medieval Studies. With a fascination for etymology and dialects hanging frequently around Grünerløkka he recently got in touch with this rich ever evolving variant of an urban Norwegian sociolect.
From Zero to Speech: How Learners Speak from Day One When Translation Stops in Beginner Classes
Language: Spanish
What happens when learners start speaking a language they don’t yet understand—and translation is no longer the default tool?
In this workshop, we will explore how speech can emerge from day one when teaching moves beyond reliance on translation, especially in non-alphabetic languages such as Chinese, Japanese, or Thai. Translation is not banned; rather, it is deliberately de-centered so that meaning can be built through context, movement, repetition, and interaction.
The session draws on the speaker’s experience teaching Chinese as a non-alphabetic language, as well as her own learning journeys in Japanese and Thai, where speaking often had to begin before literacy or full comprehension was possible. These dual perspectives—as both teacher and learner—offer insight into what truly helps speech emerge at the earliest stages.
Challenging the assumption that comprehension must come before speaking, this session shows how learners can communicate meaningfully long before they “know” the language—and why reducing reliance on translation can accelerate this process.
The session includes concrete examples, classroom design principles, and a short live demonstration in an unfamiliar language. Teachers, learners, and polyglots alike are invited to rethink the role of translation—and to rediscover speech as the true starting point of language learning.
Reading Between the Lines in Asia How Chinese Speakers Communicate Beyond Words, and Why Polyglots Still Miss the Meaning
Language: English
Many polyglots speak excellent Chinese, yet still feel something is off when living or socializing in Asia. Conversations sound polite and friendly, but real connection remains just out of reach. They do everything “right,” yet never fully belong. Invitations fade, opportunities stall, and the gap is hard to explain.
This topic is deeply personal to me. My husband is from Latin America and has lived in Taiwan for years. His Chinese is fluent—often praised by locals—yet he still misreads situations. Not because of vocabulary or grammar, but because meaning is often delivered indirectly. I see the same frustration in my students. Over the past 20 years, I’ve taught Chinese to learners from more than 75 countries. Many speak very good Chinese, yet still struggle to integrate socially.
I’ve also experienced the reverse. While living and working in Latin America, I often felt overwhelmed by direct communication. Using a very “Chinese logic” of politeness and implication, I found myself unprepared for conversations where nothing was softened or left unsaid.
In this workshop, I use Chinese speakers as a case study to explore how communication in Asia works beyond words—through context, timing, silence, and implication. This session is not about learning Chinese. Even if you’ve never studied the language, understanding these cultural patterns will help you communicate more effectively—in any language—with Chinese speakers.
Yu Hao Yun (Yolanda Yu）游皓雲
Yolanda You is a language coach and cross-cultural communication specialist with over 20 years of experience. She runs her own language center and has worked with multilingual learners from more than 75 countries. Having lived and worked across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, she focuses on pragmatics, social meaning, and why fluency alone does not lead to real integration. Drawing on long-term observation of how people from different cultures communicate and learn, she helps multilingual speakers understand meaning beyond words and connect more deeply across cultures.
The Polyglot Advantage: Why Language Learners Make the Best Teachers
Language: English
We often think native speakers are the best teachers. But in reality, being a native speaker can be a blind spot: we have the “intuition” for the language, but often lack the ability to explain why it works that way.
In this talk, Yu-Chieh Chen, a Mandarin Teaching Consultant and instructor with 13 years of teaching experience across four countries, shares why “polyglots” actually make the most effective language teachers. Drawing from her own journey learning English and French, she bridges the gap between “feeling the language” and “analyzing the logic.”
You will discover:
- The Analyst Mindset: How to use comparative analysis to explain Mandarin patterns (from word formation to sentence structures), helping you decode complex rules.
- Cultural Rediscovery: How students’ toughest “Why?” questions forced her to re-examine her own culture, turning her from a user into a “cultural decoder.”
- The “Polyglot Toolkit”: Practical strategies to help you diagnose and fix persistent errors using logic instead of intuition. This is essential for both teachers and self-learners.
Whether you want to build a teaching career or just master the “hidden logic” behind the language, this talk offers a blueprint for deeper understanding.
陳宇婕 Yu-Chieh Chen (Alice)
Yu-Chieh Chen is a Mandarin Instructor and Teaching Consultant with 13 years of global experience. She has taught at universities and online across Taiwan, the USA, France, and Australia. Specializing in bridging the gap between Western learning logic and Chinese structure, she combines this diverse international background with instructional design to help educators and learners worldwide break through bottlenecks. She views teaching not just as language transfer, but as a journey of cultural rediscovery. She continues to teach Mandarin while mentoring educators and knowledge workers to build their own teaching careers.