Mother Teresa, born in Skopje, present-day North Macedonia, was known for her ability to communicate across cultural boundaries. She primarily spoke Albanian, which was her mother tongue, but she was also fluent in several other languages.
During her life, she learned and spoke English, which she used extensively in her missionary work, particularly in India. Additionally, she spoke Hindi and Bengali, as these were the languages of the people she served in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Her knowledge of these languages allowed her to connect deeply with the local communities and understand their needs.
Mother Teresa’s linguistic abilities were not just a means of communication; they were a bridge that enabled her to spread her message of love, compassion, and service to the most marginalized in society. This understanding of different languages reflected her commitment to her humanitarian work and her respect for the cultures she engaged with.