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multilingualism

multilingualism

4.8
The use of more than one language in a community, school, or family
  • noun
  • /ˌmʌltiˈlɪŋɡwəlˌɪzəm/
translation icon : plurilingüismo
  • Oriol Martorell has a teaching philosophy that emphasizes the importance of multilingualism and the arts.

Examples

  • This, of course, is beside the fact that for many Lebanese -- albeit mainly Christians -- multilingualism and the appeal of Western languages is simply a way of heeding history and adhering to the country's hybrid ethnic and linguistic diversity.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Unfortunately, in the United States, education does not usually function as a medium for teaching multilingualism.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Still, educational systems all around the world function to transfer children from one language group to another instead of using sound pedagogical practices and effective policies to promote multilingualism.

    Academic text (2001)
  • She went on to speak about how they will use their grant funding from CPB to expand their ongoing work related to new immigrants and multilingualism in several local schools.

    Blog text (30)
  • For some Arabs, like these Beirutis enjoying a night out on the town, multilingualism and the appeal of Western languages are a natural corollary to their country's hybrid ethnic and linguistic heritage.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Many countries promote multilingualism to help students learn different languages from a young age.

  • In a community with such diverse cultures, multilingualism is common in everyday conversations.

  • The school emphasizes multilingualism by offering classes in multiple languages to all its students.

Synonyms

heteroglossia
vsmultilingualism
  • Specialized
9.9

A situation in which people use different languages and dialects together in the same community

is about presence or use of two or more languages rather than interaction focus

Antonyms

1 4.3

A text or speech that uses only one language

How Multilingual

heteroglossia
  • Specialized
9.9
multilingualism
4.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

multilingualism = multilingual (transparent) = multi + lingu + al + ism

The noun is formed regularly from the adjective 'multilingual' with '-ism', referring to the state or practice of using several languages.

Etymology

Multilingualism combines multi- 'many' and lingual 'tongue' or 'language', just like in the word linguist. So, multilingualism can describe a community, school, or family where several languages are used and heard.