The terms “multilingualism” and “multilingualism” are often used synonymously, both in writing and in speech. However, their meanings are very different.
What is multilingualism?
The term “plurilingualism” comes from the Latin words “pluri-” and “-lingue,” which literally mean “several languages.”
Multilingualism is a term used to define someone who is able to communicate in more than one language (usually three or more). For example, a person whose native language is French and who can also speak English, Italian, and Spanish is a multilingual speaker.
You do not need to be fluent in a language to be called multilingual, but you must be able to demonstrate sufficient language skills to communicate with a variety of interlocutors.
If someone speaks two languages fluently, we use the term “bilingualism,'' and if someone speaks three languages fluently, we use the term “trilingualism.'' If they can speak three or more languages fluently, they are said to be multilingual or multilingual.
On the other hand, when a person speaks only one language, the term “monolingualism” is used.
What is multilingualism?
Multilingualism is often used to describe the coexistence of multiple languages within the same social group or region.
For example, Canada is a multilingual country because both French and English are spoken, and so is Belgium because French, German, and Dutch are all spoken. Similarly, companies that work in multiple languages and schools where different languages are taught are multilingual. A television channel can also be described as multilingual if it broadcasts content in more than one language.
When do we use the terms “multilingual” and “multilingual”?
In other words, the term “multilingual” is used to describe a country, place, or institution that uses more than one language, and the term “multilingual” is used to describe a person who speaks more than one language .
In everyday life, these two terms are often confused. However, from a linguistic point of view, it is important to make this distinction, and it is also emphasized by the Council of Europe's Language Policy Department.
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Frequently asked questions about multilingualism and multilingualism
A person who speaks more than one language (usually three or more) is a polyglot. If you speak two languages, you are bilingual; if you speak three languages, you are trilingual.
A country, region, or social group that uses several different languages is called polyglot.
Multilingual countries include Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Luxembourg, India, and South Africa.
