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8 Remarkable and Famous Polyglot Women You Need to Know About

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From singers and actresses to entrepreneurs and directors, the world is undeniably dominated by the competence of women. But did you know there are extraordinary women who excel not only in their fields but also as polyglots?


But before that, important notice:


The Academy Company warns that the following article might make you want to become a polyglot woman too.

Audrey Hepburn

01

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993) was a British actress, recognized as one of the greatest screen legends in Hollywood history. Born in Belgium to a Dutch noble family, she spent her childhood in various parts of Europe before moving to London during World War II. Her early life was marked by the hardships of war, including witnessing the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands.


Hepburn rose to fame in the 1950s with her iconic roles in films such as "Roman Holiday" (1953), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress, "Sabrina" (1954), "Funny Face" (1957), and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961). She had a unique charm and elegance on screen, often portraying sophisticated and independent characters.


Beyond her acting talent, Hepburn was admired for her humanitarian work. She became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1988, dedicating much of her later life to helping children in need around the world. Her philanthropic efforts earned her the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award posthumously in 1993.


She was fluent in several languages, including English, Dutch (her mother tongue), French, Spanish, and Italian. Hepburn's ability to speak multiple languages added to her international appeal and facilitated her work in the diverse world of cinema.

02

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman, born Natalie Hershlag on June 9, 1981, is an Israeli-American actress, director, and producer. She gained international recognition and acclaim for her versatile performances in a wide range of film roles.


Portman was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and moved to the United States with her family at a young age. She demonstrated an early passion for acting and began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, starring in the film "Léon: The Professional" (1994) at just 12 years old. Her breakout role came in 1999 when she portrayed Queen Amidala in "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace."


Throughout her career, Portman has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Nina Sayers in the psychological thriller "Black Swan" (2010). She has also received nominations for her performances in films such as "Closer" (2004) and "Jackie" (2016).


In addition to her acting career, Portman is known for her advocacy work and involvement in social and political causes. She is an outspoken supporter of gender equality and has been involved in various initiatives promoting women's rights and education.


Portman is also multilingual, fluent in several languages including English, Hebrew, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Natalie Portman

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Penélope Cruz

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Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actress and model who has achieved international acclaim for her work in film. She was born on April 28, 1974, in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. Cruz began her acting career in Spanish television before transitioning to feature films.


Throughout her career, Cruz has collaborated with renowned directors such as Pedro Almodóvar, Woody Allen, and Ridley Scott. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008), becoming the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar.


Cruz has continued to deliver compelling performances across a wide range of genres, including dramas, comedies, and thrillers. Some of her notable films include "Volver" (2006), "Nine" (2009), "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (2011), and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008).


In addition to her acting career, Cruz is also involved in humanitarian work and has supported various charitable causes. She is married to Spanish actor Javier Bardem, with whom she has two children.


She speaks various languages such as English, Spanish, French and Italian. Watch her speaking here.

04

Laura Pausini

Laura Pausini is an Italian singer-songwriter who has achieved international fame with her powerful vocals and emotionally resonant songs.


Born on May 16, 1974, in Faenza, Italy, Pausini began her music career at a young age, winning a local singing competition at just eight years old. She gained wider recognition in 1993 when she won the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival with her song "La solitudine," which became a chart-topping hit in Italy and across Europe.


Since then, Laura Pausini has released numerous albums in both Italian and Spanish, earning her multiple awards, including several Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards. Her music spans various genres, including pop, rock, and ballads, and she has collaborated with artists from around the world.


Pausini's international success has solidified her status as one of the most renowned Italian singers of her generation, and she continues to captivate audiences with her heartfelt performances and distinctive voice.


Laura Pausini is considered a polyglot. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish, and she has released albums in both languages, showcasing her proficiency in both. Additionally, she has recorded songs in English and Portuguese, demonstrating her ability to sing in multiple languages. Her multilingualism has contributed to her global appeal, allowing her to connect with audiences from different linguistic backgrounds.

Laura Pausini

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Shakira

05

Shakira

Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer who has achieved international fame for her unique blend of Latin, pop, and rock music. Born on February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, as Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, she began her music career at a young age and gained recognition in the Latin music scene during the 1990s.


Shakira rose to prominence with the release of her major-label debut album, "Pies Descalzos" (Bare Feet). Her follow-up albums, "¿Dónde Están los Ladrones?" (1998) and "Laundry Service" (2001), further solidified her status as an international superstar, with songs like "Ojos Así," "Whenever, Wherever," and "Underneath Your Clothes" topping charts around the world.


Throughout her career, Shakira has continued to push artistic boundaries, incorporating elements of world music, dance, and activism into her work. She is known for her energetic performances, distinctive voice, and iconic belly dancing. Shakira has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, and has sold millions of albums worldwide.


She is fluent in Spanish, her native language, as well as English and Portuguese. Shakira has released songs in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, and even Arabic. Watch her speaking here.

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06

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is an American actress, film director, and producer. She had a prolific career in the entertainment industry. Born on November 19, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, Foster began acting at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her talent and versatility.


Foster rose to prominence as a child actress, appearing in a variety of films and television series during the 1970s. She received critical acclaim and her first Academy Award nomination for her role as a young prostitute in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver." Throughout the 1980s, she continued to establish herself as one of Hollywood's leading actresses, starring in films such as "The Accused" (1988), for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress, and "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991), for which she won her second Academy Award for Best Actress.


Jodie has been known for her intelligence, intensity, and ability to portray complex characters. She continues to be highly regarded in the film industry and remains an influential figure both on and off the screen.


Besides English, she is fluent in French, which she learned at a young age and has spoken in several films. She also has a good command of Italian, which she learned while living in Italy during her childhood. Additionally, she has studied Spanish and German.


07

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is a Mexican and American actress, producer, and activist, known for her versatile performances in both English and Spanish-language films. She was born on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico.


Hayek's acting career began in Mexico with roles in telenovelas (Spanish-language soap operas) before she transitioned to Hollywood. She gained widespread recognition for her performance in the film "Desperado" (1995), where she starred alongside Antonio Banderas. However, it was her role as Frida Kahlo in the biopic "Frida" (2002) that earned her critical acclaim and nominations for both an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award.


In addition to her acting career, Salma Hayek is also a successful film producer. She co-founded the production company Ventanarosa and has produced several films, including "Frida" and the television series "Ugly Betty."


Beyond her work in entertainment, she is known for her activism and advocacy. She has been involved in various humanitarian causes, particularly focusing on women's rights and issues affecting the Latino community, advocating for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.


She is fluent in English, Spanish, Hebrew, French, Japanese, German, and Arabic. Watch Salma speaking about her Language preferences in this hilarious interview.


Salma Hayek

08

Anitta

Anitta, whose full name is Larissa de Macedo Machado, is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Born on March 30, 1993, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she began her career in the music industry in the early 2010s and quickly rose to fame with her unique blend of pop, funk carioca, and other Brazilian music genres.


Anitta gained widespread recognition in Brazil with the release of her debut single "Show das Poderosas" in 2013, which topped the charts and earned her critical acclaim. Since then, she has released several successful albums, including "Anitta" (2013), "Ritmo Perfeito" (2014), and "Bang" (2015), showcasing her versatility as an artist.


Anitta's music often incorporates themes of empowerment, female sexuality, and partying, which has resonated with audiences both in Brazil and internationally. She has collaborated with numerous artists from around the world and has released songs in multiple languages, including Spanish and English, further expanding her global reach. She is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English and has an advanced level of Italian and French.


In addition to her music career, Anitta has ventured into acting and television, appearing in Brazilian soap operas and reality shows. She has also become known for her outspokenness on social and political issues, using her platform to advocate for causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and women's empowerment.


Anitta's dynamic stage presence, catchy music, and entrepreneurial spirit have made her one of the most influential figures in Brazilian pop culture and a rising star on the international music scene.


published: 12 April, 2024

updated: 12 APRIL, 2024

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From actresses to singers, diplomats to entrepreneurs, these women have utilized their linguistic abilities to excel in their respective fields and make a global impact.


Their journeys serve as inspiration for all women, showcasing the endless possibilities that come with embracing languages and diverse cultures. Whether you aspire to travel the world, pursue a career in international relations, or simply expand your horizons, speaking various languages can bring you amazing opportunities in your life


If you're inspired and want to join a platform dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life, click here to learn more and become part of our exclusive community. Together, we can celebrate diversity, foster connections, and empower each other to reach new heights. Join us on this exciting journey of growth and discovery!


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