Description
How does a small group of language enthusiasts grow into a thriving community and non-profit association? For those of you who heard my presentation last year, you may remember that I shared the beginnings of Stockholm Polyglots. This time, I’ll take you through our journey since then—what has driven this transformation, and what challenges have arisen along the way. We’ve gone from our roots on Meetup and being featured in a Swedish TV program about language learning, to our biggest milestone yet: representing our community at Järvaveckan. This is a major public event in Stockholm that brings together politicians and civil society organizations to engage with the public on issues such as diversity, integration, and social inclusion. Through key moments, struggles, and milestones, I’ll share insights into how a language community can flourish and find its own identity—measured not just by size, but by the strength of its personal connections and its evolving role in promoting inclusion and cultural exchange. Whether you’re interested in starting your own community or growing an existing one, I hope this talk will offer valuable lessons and inspiration!
Jonatan Haile is a polyglot born in Sweden who speaks 7 languages: Swedish, English, Spanish, Hungarian, Russian, Tigrinya, and Egyptian Arabic. He has lived and studied in both Granada (Spain) and Pécs (Hungary), experiences that have deepened his connection to languages and cultures. His love for languages is mainly driven by cultural immersion, often inspired by musical artists such as Silvio Rodríguez, Vladimir Vysotsky, and Cseh Tamás. Jonatan works as a medical doctor and regards patient interactions as the most stimulating and fulfilling part of his job.
https://polyglots.se/
This video was recorded at the Polyglot Gathering 2025: https://www.polyglotgathering.com.