Learning a language besides one's mother tongue is a challenge for many people. Others, however, seem to be able to master multiple languages with remarkable ease. These individuals are known as polyglots, people who can read, write, and converse in several different languages.
History has recorded many truly exceptional polyglots, with some able to speak effortlessly in dozens of foreign tongues. But who distinguished themselves as being among the world's greatest and most influential polyglots?
Click on and browse this gallery of individuals that excelled in their mastery of learning new languages.