Self-taught librarian in more than 10 languages

With a strong passion for languages, a librarian of the National Library of China in Beijing has taught himself more than 10 languages, including Persian, Latin, Greek, French, German, and Italian, in the span of about 10 years. 12 years.

Gu Xiaojun is known as a multilingual person (who is able to speak many different languages). Gu started working at the National Library of China in 2009 thinking it was the perfect place to read and pursue his interests.

The 41-year-old librarian said he often takes advantage of the day’s breaks at the library and reads books about history and languages. He also takes advantage of reading on the subway during his daily commute from home to work.

A graduate of the History Department of the Capital Normal University in Beijing, Gu has a deep interest in the historical, literary, and philosophical works of the European Renaissance. This then ignited Gu’s fascination with the language. In order to read works written in many different languages ​​such as French, German, and Latin, Gu had to learn these languages ​​by himself.

While most people might have a hard time learning an abstract ancient language, Gu was intrigued.

“I was excited to be able to understand such content, which encouraged me to keep going,” Gu said.

Gu used to translate the content History Bookan ancient classic in China, into Ancient Greek to assess his foreign language proficiency.

Knowing many foreign languages, the librarian shared: “I don’t dare say I am fluent in many languages ​​because learning foreign languages ​​has no limit. I have been studying languages ​​continuously over the years”, Gu shared.

Having worked at the library for more than a decade, Gu has seen a diverse audience of young students preparing for exams as well as older readers looking for books in their spare time.

Gu said what impressed him the most were the silver-haired readers. He remembers meeting an old woman who came to borrow the largest set of books in Chinese history. The old woman said that when she was young, she did not have the opportunity to read. When Gu gave her some books, she read with a magnifying glass passionately.

“I am deeply moved by the thirst for knowledge of older readers. I am especially delighted to be a service librarian at the National Library of China. I also enjoy the reading atmosphere. books are here. I believe books help people to achieve a state of peace and find some inner freedom,” Gu said.

Dawn (According to China Daily)