19-year-old Muslim boy sets record for fluency in 400 languages
At 19, Mahmood Akram from India has taken the internet by storm with an extraordinarily incredible feat: He is multilingual — to the tune of 400 languages.
Early Beginnings and Parental Influence
Akram was an apprentice to languages from birth under his father, a linguistics specialist. With an early prodigious talent, he memorized the English alphabet in six days and the 299 character script of the Tamil language in three weeks, a task that normally takes several months.
His mentor became his father and encouraged him in languages, so by age six he had surpassed even the mentor’s own knowledge.
Setting Records in Linguistics
Akram had made history by the age of eight; he achieved the record as the youngest multilingual typist. At the age of 12, he told German linguists, he had fluency in 400 languages making him another world record holder.
He could not get enough linguistic knowledge and continued his studies beyond traditional schooling. Finding very few opportunities to offer his services in India, he applied for an online programme at an Israeli institution specializing in Arabic, Spanish, French and Hebrew.
Balancing Teaching and Higher Education
While his social media presence was ongoing, Akram started to share his expertise with a global audience. Starting at 14, he began a YouTube channel to teach language to aspiring polyglots.
By 2024 he had spread his scope to international workshops, instructing in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia.
At 19 he is enrolled in a number of degree schemes. As he studies linguistics at the UK Open University, he is also enrolled for a BA in English Literature and BSc in Animation in Chennai, Alagappa University.
Dedication to Lifelong Learning
Although his passion is towards learning multiple languages, he aims even during his demanding academic schedule. This is a remarkable journey that continues to inspire linguists, educators and students worldwide in proving that with dedication and passion, barriers in education and learning can be surmounted.
