19-year-old Muslim boy sets record for fluency in 400 languages

Mahmood's extraordinary talent became evident when he learned the English alphabet in just six days.

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Nineteen-year-old Mahmood Akram from India has astonished the world with his linguistic abilities, mastering 400 languages while simultaneously pursuing multiple university degrees.

The Indian Muslim teenager’s journey into languages began at an early age, guided by his father, a linguistics expert.

Akram’s extraordinary talent became evident when he learned the English alphabet in just six days and Tamil’s 299-character script in three weeks—a feat that typically takes months.

Encouraged by his father, he continued to explore languages, surpassing even his mentor’s knowledge by the age of six.

Breaking records in linguistics

At just eight years old, Akram set a world record as the youngest multilingual typist. By 12, he had impressed German linguists by demonstrating fluency in 400 languages, securing another world record.

His passion for languages led him beyond conventional schooling. Unable to find suitable programmes in India, he pursued online studies through an Israeli institution, focusing on Arabic, Spanish, French, and Hebrew.

Balancing teaching and higher education

Inspired by his growing social media following, Akram began teaching languages at 14 through YouTube.

By 2024, he had conducted language workshops in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, sharing his expertise with students worldwide.

Now at 19, he is enrolled in multiple degree programmes.

He is pursuing a BA in English Literature and a BSc in Animation at Chennai’s Alagappa University while also studying linguistics at the UK’s Open University.

Despite his academic commitments, he remains dedicated to refining his fluency across languages.

Akram’s journey continues to inspire linguists, educators, and students worldwide, proving that dedication and passion can break barriers in education and learning.