Opening Doorz
“Celebrating Life”
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 15, 2024 Amrutha Langs is a captivating individual with a remarkable talent for languages. In a chat with her, we delve […]
By Martin D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | July 15, 2024
Amrutha Langs is a captivating individual with a remarkable talent for languages. In a chat with her, we delve into her fascinating journey, exploring the motivations behind her passion for languages and the career paths it has opened for her. Amrutha Langs not only possesses an exceptional ability to learn languages but also utilizes her expertise in translation, teaching, and authorship.
Her journey has been anything but conventional, shaped by unique experiences and driven by an insatiable curiosity for languages. A linguist with a remarkable command of 22 foreign languages, Amrutha Langs is Opening Doorz into the origins of her passion for languages.
From a young age, I was deeply fascinated by the world of languages. Growing up, I had the opportunity to travel extensively across the country due to my early career as a child magician and stage performer. This exposure to diverse cultures and dialects ignited my curiosity for languages. As a child artist, I performed various roles, including Bal Shivaji, and even competed as a national-level rope mala performer. These experiences provided a unique backdrop to my linguistic journey.
In the eighth grade, I faced a significant decision that would shape my future. At St. George School, I had to choose between Hindi, Sanskrit, or French. I opted for French, but learning the language in school was nothing like mastering a real language. Despite my initial struggles and not being a stellar student by conventional standards, my passion for languages persisted. After my 10th grade, my grandfather, who had a massive collection of books and was a significant influence in my life, encouraged me to explore learning German. This decision marked the beginning of my formal linguistic education.
After reluctantly agreeing to attend language classes at Max Mueller Bhavan, I unexpectedly fell in love with the German language. The environment, the teachers, and the language itself captivated me. This newfound passion propelled me to complete my French education at Alliance Française and eventually explore Japanese and other languages. My journey was characterized by relentless dedication and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Balancing multiple interests was challenging but rewarding. My early exposure to magic performances instilled a sense of discipline and showmanship, which translated into my language learning. While I discontinued magic in the seventh grade to focus on academics, the skills and confidence I gained from performing on stage played a crucial role in my linguistic journey.
My journey was not without personal challenges. Growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, my mother ensured I was constantly engaged in productive activities to shield me from negative influences. This environment fostered my interest in languages and provided a sense of purpose. My grandfather played a pivotal role, introducing me to various educational opportunities and supporting my academic pursuits.
Professionally, my linguistic skills opened doors to various opportunities. Starting with tuition classes, I eventually founded my own academy, conducted corporate training, and undertook translation projects. My unique skill set allowed me to navigate a monopoly market, especially in the early 2000s. Despite skepticism from others about the practicality of learning multiple languages, I carved out a successful career in the field.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the rise of AI and tools like ChatGPT have sparked debates about the future of language learning and translation. While AI has made significant strides, I firmly believe that the human touch remains irreplaceable. Language is deeply intertwined with cultural nuances, context, and emotional subtleties that AI struggles to replicate accurately. As a professional translator and educator, I continue to emphasize the importance of human expertise in the field.
Currently, I balance my professional commitments with home-schooling my child. This decision has allowed me to dedicate substantial time to my family while continuing to take on selective, impactful projects. Recently, I completed a project for a UK-based organization, designing an online course for teachers on how to teach languages using metacognitive skills. This innovative approach focuses on thinking about thinking, enhancing the effectiveness of language instruction.
Also Read: Bringing together people that make a difference
Also Read: Dahaad: A master-class in web-series making
