The image of a polyglot through the eyes of MGIMO students

Abstract

This paper presents a sociological study of the features that characterize students’ perception of the phenomenon of polyglottery. The study aims to give a clearer description of the qualities, which are, according to students, associated with polyglots. The researchers used the focus group method and projective techniques (free and controlled associations, personalization, personification and object manipulation) in a discussion with actual MGIMO students to provide ground for a sincere, but instrumental talk. As a result, special characteristics were identified that are associated with polyglots in the minds of the students. It was revealed that polyglots are perceived in an exclusively positive light as educated, competent and tactful individuals who are an attractive role model. These associations are largely formed under the influence of the phenomenon of “unconscious polyglottery” due to the fact that multilingual competence is part of everyday life for this social group. MGIMO students have an unconscious habit of perceiving foreign languages not only during the classes but also in a less formal way and, therefore, are uniquely related to polyglottery. MGIMO was chosen as the object of study because of it being mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as an academic institution with the largest number of languages in the world being taught (53). In addition, a review of existing literature aimed at the sociological study of polyglottery is also presented in the article (in particular, the works by Laia Herlevi and Alexander Arguelles). Analyzed are their goals, results and limitations. These works use a quantitative methodology of sociological research, while the present paper refers to a qualitative strategy, which seems to be particularly effective in examining the phenomenon of polyglots and polyglottery. The immediate perspective of this study is connected with describing sociological and psychological aspects of different foreign languages when selecting one as a study subject.