Bilingualism & Multilingualism

Identifying some features

Bilingualism & Multibilingualism

Universidad Nacioanal Abierta y a DistanciaColombian Education Angie Fonseca Suesca

Introduction

• Facts about bilingualism and multilingualism

Did you know?

• 60% of the world’s population is bilingual, depending on the definition of bilingualism.

• Bilingual people use language for different purposes and in various contexts.

• People who speak two or more languages might switch languages to obtain acceptance or social status (code-switching).

• Individual preferences influence language choice. For instance, someone might prefer speaking in their second language because it feels more connected to their emotions.

• There are different degrees of bilingualism, such as balanced and dominant bilingualism.

• Language promotes the development of cultural awareness and fosters connections with different social and cultural groups.

Reading analysis

How to define bilingualism?

Defining bilingualism and multilingualism is challenging. However, Baker et al. (2021) propose that identifying key distinctions and dimensions can provide a clearer understanding. Two important distinctions guide the study of bilingualism and multilingualism: the usage of language by individuals versus social groups, and the degree of language ability compared to language usage (function). It is important to highlight that language is complex and encompasses many dimensions, including context, age, culture, and development, varying from user to user. Therefore, bilingualism is dynamic and cannot be limited to proficiency in one specific domain or context. It varies from individual to individual and also reflects societal perspectives on certain languages and social groups.

Definitions

“Bilingualism is a moon buggy with an intricate wheel system capable of moving in multiple directions across varied terrains”

(Garcia, 2009, as cited in Baker et al., 2021)

Definition of Bilingualism and Multilingualism

• Number of Languages

They refer to individuals who speak two or more languages in their everyday lives

• Degree of usage

These terms also encompass speakers who use two or more languages with varying degrees of proficiency or in different contexts

• Communicative aproach

Individuals that can effectively use two or more languages to communicate their needs and actively participate in various social, educational, and cultural contexts.

Definition of Bilingualism and Multilingualism

• Subjective nature:

Speaking multiple languages creates a unique experience for each individual. Therefore, it is important to consider personal experiences, contexts, and the meanings associated with languages when discussing bilingualism and multilingualism.

Bilingualism is like a special vehicle (a moon buggy) that enables individuals to navigate different social and cultural contexts using languages. It cannot be reduced to just a set of language skills; rather, it encompasses various degrees of usage that depend on each individual’s experiences and abilities.

• Complex and dynamic:

Distinctions

individual bilingualism Vs societal bilingualism

Individual Possession

Social Group Possesion

• It focuses in the use of multiple languages in a society as a whole.

• It includes how languages are used in education, public and goverment, that reflects the lingustic diversity.

• It encourage all members of the community to find policies and ways to use languages.

• It focuses on a individual's ability two speak more or two langauges.

• Including fluency, confort and skills that varies from person to person.

• It is influence by preferences and the specific context where they interact.

Language ability (DEGREE) Vs lANGUAGE uSE (USAGE)

Language ability (degree) refers to how well someone can speak, read, write, or understand a language. This can vary from basic skills to advanced fluency. On the other hand, language use (usage) is about how often and in what situations a person actually uses the language. Someone might have strong language ability but not use the language regularly, while another person might use a language every day but not be very skilled at it.

Key aspects

• What can we highlight from the reading?

Language choice

Bilingualism and multiligualism Dimensions

• It is essential to consider different dimensions when analyzing bilingualism.

• These dimensions provide better insight into the features, levels, and stages of language learning development.

• Some of these dimensions include age, culture, ability, balance, and development.

• No everybody has the same changes to use both langauges.

• People might chose a language depending on their preferences, identity and social/cultural factors.

• It reflects the social, political and cultural conditions.

Views of bilingualism

Degrees of Bilingualism

• The monolingual view does not consider bilingualism a strength. Instead, it sees an individual as less skilled in the dominant language, rather than appreciating their ability to speak two languages.

• The holistic view sees bilingualism as a rich, multifaceted experience that improves personal identity and cultural connection.

• Language learners acquire a language for various purposes and use it in diverse contexts with different individuals.

• These factors influence an individual's ability to perform in specific situations but do not limit their range of language skills.

Conclusion

Bilingualism is a complex and dynamic experience that encompasses more than just the ability to speak two languages in different contexts. It also involves understanding the cultural and personal connections, as well as the social expectations associated with each language. The development of language skills is influenced by various factors that differ from person to person, making it challenging to define bilingualism.

Thank you

References

• Baker, C. & Wright, W. (2021). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. (Vol. 00127). Multilingual Matters.

• Mejía, A. (2006). Bilingual Education in Colombia: Towards a Recognition of Languages, Cultures and Identities. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal