An analysis of intelligence in a 32-lingual man

Abstract

The presented case study is a description of the specifics of functioning of a 69-year-old man who learned 31 foreign languages over a period of nine years. Previous research focused on personality traits, temperament and the level of development of executive functions in the context of learning multiple foreign languages. The purpose of the analysis was to determine the man’s level of cognitive functioning. The following three research tools were used in this project: Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFT-20-R), the Word Comprehension Test in the Advanced Version (Test rozumienia słów, wersja dla zaawansowanych, TRS-Z), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (MoCA). The results obtained indicate a very high level of fluid and crystallised intelligence; however, the MoCA scores fell within the lower limit of normal, suggesting deficits in delayed verbal and auditory memory. Based on the data collected, it can be concluded that the man’s level of intelligence (fluid and crystallised) was the base for the development of his outstanding linguistic abilities. The issues related to the learning of verbal and non-verbal material remain unclear.