Interpreter|Translator|Author
Kató Lomb: languages, method and verdict
Hungarian interpreter and translator (1909 to 2003), one of the first simultaneous interpreters, who taught herself 16 languages including Chinese and Japanese, mainly by reading.
The short answer
Kató Lomb was a Hungarian interpreter (1909 to 2003) who worked in many languages and wrote Polyglot: How I Learn Languages, a classic on input-based learning. This profile lists the languages, the method and the Kungfucius verdict on the claims.
Nationality
Hungarian
Languages
Hungarian|English|Russian|German|French|Spanish|Italian|Japanese|Chinese
Asian languages
Chinese (Mainland China Mandarin), Japanese
Signature method
Reading-driven self-study (novels first, grammar later)
Key works
Polyglot: How I Learn Languages
Claimed vs verified
16 languages claimed in her own book; she interpreted or translated professionally in around 10, well documented.
One of the first simultaneous interpreters in the world often quoted for her practical language learning advice
In their words
We should learn languages because language is the only thing worth knowing even poorly.
Kungfucius says: Learned Russian from novels during air raids. Your excuse is noted.