multilingualism (/ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwə.lɪ.zəm/)
noun · Advanced · Culture & Society
🔊 /ˌmʌl.tiˈlɪŋ.ɡwə.lɪ.zəm/
Meaning
Meaning: use of many languages
The ability to use several languages, or the presence of many languages in a society. It is valued in increasingly connected, diverse communities.
Examples
🗣 Multilingualism is normal in the city, where neighbors casually switch between three or four languages.
Etymology
From ‘multi-‘ (Latin ‘multus’, many) and ‘lingual’ (from ‘lingua’, tongue), plus ‘-ism’.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in linguistics, education, and discussion of diverse societies.
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Tags: language, linguistics