Masterclass by Vladimir Okhotnikov on Broadening Horizons
In his interviews, Vladimir Okhotnikov often discusses the philosophy of freedom. What are its components? One of them is an interest in languages. They offer insights into culture and an understanding of a country's character.
Through years of diligent study, Okhotnikov has mastered Georgian, Armenian, Farsi, Tibetan, Turkish, and English. What's next? It's still a mystery.
He shares: “Speaking a foreign language erases up to 80% of our previous identity. But I don't see it as a loss—it's a gain. We become 80% a new person.”
Let's explore additional benefits of this passion.
Living with an Open Mind
Knowing languages broadens our personal worldview. Polyglots notice subtle nuances of meaning. They find mutual understanding more quickly in various situations. This skill is useful as a method to make oneself more flexible, free, and interesting.
Georgian introduced Vladimir to the culture of hospitality. Armenian revealed the depth and emotionality of communication. Farsi offered the grandeur of Eastern poetry. Tibetan immersed him in the philosophy of wisdom. Turkish liberated him, helping him feel at home in countries where respect and trust are prioritized. And English allowed him to communicate without barriers with people worldwide.
How to Learn a Language Independently
Okhotnikov developed his own approach and shares his insights with anyone interested. He doesn't believe in tedious memorization of words and grammar tables. Instead, he incorporates new words into everyday conversation.
Here are a few rules:
- Dedicate time to practice every day. Even 30 minutes is enough. It could be reading a short article or having a conversation;
- Learn words in context: in movies, books, and live dialogues;
- Find native speakers and communicate as much as possible;
- Keep a notebook with interesting words and expressions. Then incorporate them into your daily speech;
- Watch movies and listen to music in the original language without subtitles. To train your ear and catch intonation;
- Don't expect quick progress. Enjoy the process of immersing yourself in the culture.
With regular practice, the process becomes easy. Results won't take long to appear.
You will improve your memory, develop intelligence, and become more versatile. For Vladimir, this skill prevents him from getting stuck in familiar frameworks. It always keeps him open to new experiences.