Ep207: Wandering Polyglot - Dr Alexander Arguelles 2

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Jun 23, 2023

Dr. Alexander Arguelles, a renowned polyglot, discusses his experiences learning Arabic in Lebanon amidst war, teaching at various universities, and proposes reforms in education. He shares insights on learning multiple languages simultaneously, collaborating with linguists, and reflects on the future of academia.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Language Immersion and Escape from Conflict

02:18 • 13min

Family Move to California and Job at New College of California

15:06 • 2min

Evolution of Language Learning Approach

17:06 • 15min

Language Learning and Teaching in Southeast Asia

31:46 • 11min

Journey through Languages and Cultures

42:40 • 20min

Navigating Administrative Challenges and Pandemic Transitions

01:02:37 • 2min

Adapting to Online Education Challenges

01:04:56 • 2min

Exploring the Evolution of Education

01:07:22 • 16min

Exploring Meditative Techniques for Language Learning Beyond Grammar and Vocabulary

01:23:51 • 2min

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Alexander Arguelles, linguist, world-renowned polyglot, and scholar of comparative religion. Dr Arguelles continues the biographical thread taken up in his previous episode, recalling, after his years of intense language study in Korea, accepting a Professorship in Lebanon to immerse in Arabic and later fleeing the country with his family as war erupted there. Dr Arguelles recalls teaching positions in California, Singapore, Dubai, and the language immersions that those posting facilitated. Dr Arguelles also critiques current trends in the American university system, compares it to the past, proposes alternative structures and reformations, and offers his thoughts on the future of academia. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep207-wandering-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles-2  Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 02:54 - Accepting a professorship in Lebanon to immerse in Arabic 05:26 - Reflecting on learning Arabic 08:19 - Mental technique to turn off the English mind 09:18 - Fleeing Lebanon when war broke out 15:01 - Teaching at the New College of California 19:27 - :Early activity on ‘How To Learn A Language’ forum 21:47 - How would Professor Arguelles reform education in America today? 26:11 - Learning 4 languages at once 32:30 - Teaching in Singapore as a Language Specialist 35:14 - Collaboration with linguist Paul Nation 38:34 - Teaching adults vs university students 42:42 - Accepting a professorship in Dubai and more Arabic immersion 40:03 - Being studied as a polyglot and learning Hebrew 51:08 - The rich story tradition of Arabic 53:47 - Death of Prof Arguelles’ brother 56:07 - Homeschooling his sons in multiple languages 58:51 - Mixed experiences at the Concorida Language Villages in Minnesota 01:08:59 - Professor Arguelles Academy 01:12:23 - Criticisms of academia and today’s University system 01:21:29 - Predicting the future of Universities in the USA 01:23:30 - Language learning as meditation … Previous episode with Dr Alexander Arguelles: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep199-path-of-the-polyglot-dr-alexander-arguelles To find our more about Dr Alexander Arguelles and his Academy, visit: - https://www.alexanderarguelles.com/academy/ For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James