The 17-year-old Leon Džananović is the champion in knowing foreign languages for the second time. He won the competition “Language Perfect World Championships” which is being held every year at the same time, on global level, under the patronage of the Australian organization “Education Perfect”.
All schools across the planet chose students who are exceptionally good in certain fields and if the students agree, their school registers them for competition.
Leon, a boy with BiH origins born in Austria, is truly a great talent for foreign languages and this year he competed again, after winning the title last year.
“Over 200.000 students from around the world participate in the competition. Students must respond to thousands of questions online within the time period of 10-15 seconds. Everything is in audio format so the participants must be able to concentrate, be fast, and listen.
When this obstacle is overcome, the harder part comes – simultaneous translation from ne foreign language to another and vice versa, and then comes spelling. Leon competed in German and English language and answered 6.500 questions, which speaks of the speed necessary to answer all those questions accurately and on time. Whoever succeeds in that, wins the golden medal,” said Leon’s mother, Sandra Bakaj, born in Prijedor.
When this obstacle is overcome, the harder part comes – simultaneous translation from ne foreign language to another and vice versa, and then comes spelling. Leon competed in German and English language and answered 6.500 questions, which speaks of the speed necessary to answer all those questions accurately and on time. Whoever succeeds in that, wins the golden medal,” said Leon’s mother, Sandra Bakaj, born in Prijedor.
Leon’s life story is very interesting.
“I would say he was born under a lucky star. He was born on January 1, 1999 at midnight sharp, in Innsbruck, Austria. Right from the start, he attracted attention of the Austrian and European Public because he was officially the first New Year baby in Austria and the first Euro Baby (EUR as monetary unit was introduced in the EU that year). On that occasion, Leon received 5.000 EUR as a gift from the National Bank of Austria,” the happy mother said.
Leon currently lives in Brisbane, Australia with his family.
“Leon is currently attending the 11th class of MacGregor High School, with focus on social sciences (he is especially interested in history, charity work and, of course, foreign languages). He will be a senior next year and after graduation Leon wants to study Germanistics in combination with social work, because Leon dreams about working for UNICEF or in one of UN’s programs for helping children refugees from war areas. His interest was probably caused by the history of his origin from my side, because we all know that my hometown is the synonym for evil and persecution,” Leon’s mother said.
In the present world of globalization and communication technologies, where knowing at least one foreign language is essential for making progress in all areas of life, Sandra said:
“I hope that Leon’s life path will truly be as he imagined it: that he directs his abilities towards contributing to a better world than the one we currently live in.”
(Source: radiosarajevo.ba/photo: radiosarajevo.ba)
