Name: Karina

Work: Information Officer, St David's Centre, Cardiff

How many languages can you speak all together, and what are they?
Five; Spanish, French, Italian, German and English, of course.

Are you fluent in all of those languages?
I’m fluent in Spanish and French, and English obviously. I’m not fluent in German and Italian yet, thought I would like to be in the future.

What provoked you to learn all of these languages?
Well my mother is Mexican, so I was brought up speaking Spanish, but then I started learning languages in school and they just came easily to me.

How did you come to learn these languages?
Well, like I said, my mother is Mexican so I was brought up speaking Spanish. I learnt French and German in High school, and I’m currently learning Italian in my own time.

Has it been a challenge, considering you’re so young?
Well, obviously I struggle sometimes, but after learning one language fluently it’s easier to pick up others. So… yes, sometimes it is a challenge, but I find it easier than most.

Have your languages come in handy so far?
Yes, Definitely. I currently work at the information desk in St. David’s Centre, so it comes in handy when people from different countries need information. Cardiff is constantly growing and becoming a tourist attraction, so I often get people from all over asking for help. It’s much nicer and easier for them, having someone that can speak their language. I’ve also worked in France and Spain, so being able to speak the languages was vital.

Your have recently finished studying journalism at Cardiff university, Do you think that knowing so many languages will be a tribute to your work with journalism?
Yes. journalists are needed everywhere, in every country. Knowing more languages broadens my opportunities of pursuing my dream. I could take my journalism anywhere; I suppose you could say that the possibilities are limitless.

Do you use the languages you know on a regular basis?
I use them in my current job to talk to tourists, as well as using Spanish with my mother.

Have you been to all the countries of the languages you speak?
Well, I’ve been to France and Spain because I worked out there but I haven’t been to Germany or Italy yet. Hopefully I will in the future. I’m only 21 so there’s plenty of time for me to travel.

Has seeing the different ways in which people live their lives in different parts of the world given you a new perspective on life?
Yes, no question about that. After meeting new people, and doing things differently, you sort of adapt to your surroundings more easily, and it seems easier to get along with people. It makes you see what’s out there and it makes you realise that there is a whole new world outside of Wales,-a whole world full of new people and new opportunities. With languages the door is always open, no matter what you do.