Cardinal|Hyperpolyglot
Giuseppe Caspar Mezzofanti: languages, method and verdict
Italian cardinal and Vatican librarian (1774 to 1849), the most famous historical hyperpolyglot, reported to speak at least 38 languages fluently, including Chinese, which he practised with students at the Collegio Cinese in Naples.
The short answer
Giuseppe Caspar Mezzofanti was an Italian cardinal (1774 to 1849) reputed to speak dozens of languages fluently, the classic benchmark for polyglot legends. This profile lists the languages, the method and the Kungfucius verdict on the claims.
Nationality
Italian
Asian languages
Chinese (Mainland China Mandarin)
Signature method
Learning from native-speaking visitors, prisoners and students
Claimed vs verified
Charles Russell's 1858 biography lists 38 languages spoken plus around 40 dialects; contemporaries' accounts vary.
Italian cardinal (1774-1849) and one of the most famous hyperpolyglots in history. Said to have spoken at least 38 languages plus numerous dialects.
Kungfucius says: Never left Italy, spoke 38 languages. Your gap year is not an excuse.