**How Many Languages Does Mariska Hargitay Really Speak? The Multilingual Talents of the ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star**
Mariska Hargitay, best known for her iconic role as Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: SVU*, has won the hearts of millions with her portrayal of a strong, empathetic, and fearless detective. But while her on-screen presence is undeniable, Hargitay’s off-screen talents often leave fans even more impressed. One of the most intriguing aspects of her personal life is her ability to speak multiple languages—an unexpected skill that not only adds to her allure but also reflects her diverse heritage and commitment to communication.
### The Origins of Hargitay’s Multilingualism
Hargitay’s linguistic abilities can be traced back to her rich family background. Born to famous parents—actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay—Mariska grew up in a household that celebrated cultural diversity. Her father, Mickey, was originally from Hungary, which meant that Hungarian was spoken in the home, giving young Mariska an early introduction to the language.
Mariska has spoken in interviews about how her father’s Hungarian roots influenced her, not just culturally but linguistically as well. She grew up hearing Hungarian and developed a conversational grasp of the language, allowing her to connect with her father’s heritage and speak with relatives from Hungary. While she may not be fluent in Hungarian, her knowledge of the language is impressive, given its unique structure and complexity.
### A Multicultural Influence: Italian and French
Hargitay’s linguistic abilities extend beyond Hungarian. As someone who is passionate about traveling and connecting with people, she has also developed a working knowledge of Italian and French. Italian, in particular, became a language of love for her, both figuratively and literally. Mariska’s husband, actor Peter Hermann, is fluent in Italian, and the couple often speaks the language together.
In fact, Italian played a significant role in their romance. During their courtship, Hermann, who studied the language extensively, would speak to her in Italian, creating a bond that transcended just words. For Mariska, learning Italian became a way to deepen her connection with her husband, and over the years, she has become more proficient in the language, using it frequently in their personal life.
Additionally, Hargitay has shown an interest in French. As a language that’s often considered the language of diplomacy and culture, Mariska has picked up French through her travels and interactions, though it’s said she is conversational rather than fluent. Nevertheless, her ability to engage with French speakers shows her dedication to expanding her linguistic horizons.
### Using Language as a Tool for Empowerment
What sets Mariska Hargitay apart from many celebrities isn’t just the fact that she speaks multiple languages—it’s how she uses this skill in her career and advocacy work. Known for her dedication to helping survivors of sexual assault, Hargitay often emphasizes the importance of communication in all forms. As the founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, she has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom speak different languages.
Her ability to understand and communicate in multiple languages helps her bridge cultural gaps, whether she’s interacting with fans from around the world or advocating for survivors who may not speak English as their first language. Hargitay has said that language is one of the most powerful tools in making someone feel seen and heard, and her efforts to learn and embrace different languages reflect her deep empathy and commitment to making a difference.
### Language and Character Development on *SVU*
Interestingly, Mariska’s multilingual skills have also been incorporated into her role as Olivia Benson on *Law & Order: SVU*. Over the years, her character has been shown speaking in various languages, including Spanish, to communicate with witnesses and victims who may not speak English. These scenes are not only authentic but also showcase Hargitay’s real-life dedication to breaking down language barriers.
It’s clear that her linguistic talent adds a unique dimension to her portrayal of Benson, enhancing the realism of the character. Mariska’s ability to speak to people in their own language, even on-screen, adds another layer of relatability and depth to her role as an advocate for justice.
### A Lifelong Learner
While Mariska Hargitay may not be fluent in all the languages she speaks, what stands out is her willingness to learn and engage. Whether it’s Hungarian, Italian, French, or Spanish, Hargitay has shown that she values language as a way to connect with others on a deeper level. Her multilingualism is a reflection of her open-mindedness, her diverse heritage, and her desire to bridge gaps in communication.
In a world where being multilingual is increasingly valuable, Mariska Hargitay stands as a shining example of how language can be a tool for empowerment, both personally and professionally. As fans continue to follow her on-screen as Olivia Benson, they can also appreciate the fascinating, multilingual woman behind the role—one who uses her language skills not just for personal enrichment, but to make the world a little bit more connected.
### Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s ability to speak multiple languages is just another facet of her extraordinary life. Whether she’s speaking Hungarian to honor her father’s heritage, Italian with her husband, or using French and Spanish in her travels, Hargitay demonstrates the power of language to connect, empower, and inspire. And much like her character on *SVU*, Mariska uses her multilingual talents not for show but to create real, meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. It’s just another reason why fans can’t get enough of her—on and off the screen.
