Page "Antoni Grabowski" Paragraph 5

Even at the university, Grabowski had developed a far-reaching literary interest, joining the Slavic Literary Society ( Towarzystwo Literacko-Słowianskie ).

His endeavour was in no way limited to Polish language and literature ; gradually he learnt a considerable number of languages and became a true polyglot.

Apart from his mother tongue, he was eventually able to speak nine additional languages and passively to use at least another 15.

With his linguistic background, Grabowski also became interested in the idea of an international language.

Having learned Volapük, he decided to visit Johann Schleyer, the author of this language project.

Seeing that even Schleyer himself was unable to speak Volapük fluently and that Grabowski and Schleyer had been forced to converse in German instead, Grabowski formed the conclusion that Volapük was unsuitable for everyday use.

After this disappointment, Grabowski gave up his work on Volapük but maintained an active interest in the idea of an international planned language.