[...] This extract from the Book of Genesis is perhaps the oldest recorded attempt to explain the thrilling diversity of languages in the western societies. Moreover, the tale of the Tower of Babel is probably the best-known story about language among ordinary citizens. Though virtually everyone has heard about Babel at some point, only few would link it to the concept of ‘multilingualism’ or be able to give an exact definition of the term. Scholars, on the other hand, have not come up with a universally accepted definition so far, either. The term ‘multilingualism’ is used here synonymously with ‘bilingualism’ and therefore applied in its broadest sense. For the time being, we consider as multilingualism / bilingualism the competence in more than one language or, in other words, we “encompass both the individuals who are fluent in two languages only and those whose linguistic repertoire consists of three or more languages”. Admittedly, this definition is rather inaccurate and vague. In the course of this work we will therefore seek for a much more elaborate understanding of bilingualism / multilingualism. But let us go back to the biblical story for a moment. Unfortunately, a negative attitude towards different languages, which is implicitly expressed in the curse of Babel, is nowadays still widely held when it comes to judging bilinguals and bilingualism. Even in this day and age many people see the simultaneous occurrence of several languages in one place not as a blessing but as an aberration. To them, monolingualism is the norm and hence the natural way of life. However, if we direct our attention to facts rather than fiction, it becomes immediately clear that multilingualism is neither abnormal nor unnatural. Instead, as BHATIA / RITCHIE veraciously state, “[b]ilingualism, – more generally, multilingualism – is a major fact of life in the world today.” For a start, let us consider the domain of economics. The process of globalisation as well as improved travel opportunities have been causing increased mobility throughout the world. It is thus becoming a smaller place and interactions between people of different nations and cultures are getting much more frequent than in the past. As a result, ever more individuals are required to speak two or more languages. Despite these recent developments, the need to communicate with people who do not speak the same language as oneself is probably as old as history itself. [...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Individual Bilingualism
- 2.1 Defining Bilingualism
- 2.2 Key Concepts and Distinctions
- 2.3 Bilingual Ability vs. Bilingual Use
- 2.3.1 Bilingual Ability
- 2.3.2 Bilingual Use
- 2.4 Code-switching and Interference
- 3. Societal Bilingualism
- 3.1 Diglossia
- 3.2 Language Shift, Language Decline, Language Maintenance and Spread
- 4. Concluding and Summary Remarks
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to provide a foundational overview of bilingualism/multilingualism studies, highlighting the complexity and richness of this linguistic field. It explores the concept of bilingualism from both individual and societal perspectives, examining key definitions, concepts, and related research areas.
- Defining and understanding bilingualism/multilingualism
- The distinction between individual and societal bilingualism
- Key concepts such as code-switching and language interference
- Societal factors influencing language use, such as diglossia and language shift
- The historical and contemporary prevalence of multilingualism globally
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the study of bilingualism by referencing the biblical story of the Tower of Babel as a historical representation of societal views on language diversity. It challenges the common misconception that monolingualism is the norm, arguing that multilingualism is widespread and increasingly relevant in a globalized world. The chapter introduces the core question of defining bilingualism and a bilingual individual, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in subsequent chapters. It also lays out the structure of the work, previewing the focus on both individual and societal perspectives of bilingualism.
2. Individual Bilingualism: This chapter delves into the complexities of individual bilingualism. It critically examines various definitions of bilingualism and introduces key terms used in research. Through analyzing different types of bilingual individuals, it explores the multifaceted nature of bilingual competence, distinguishing between bilingual ability and bilingual use. The chapter also covers the phenomena of code-switching and language interference, showing how these processes reflect the dynamic interaction between an individual's languages.
3. Societal Bilingualism: This chapter shifts the focus from the individual to the societal level, examining the dynamics of bilingualism within communities and nations. It explores concepts like diglossia, language contact, language shift, language decline, and language spread. The discussion considers the impact of historical events, such as colonialism and the formation of the Commonwealth, on the multilingual landscapes of various countries, providing diverse examples to illustrate the complex interplay between language and society.
Keywords
Bilingualism, Multilingualism, Code-switching, Language Interference, Diglossia, Language Shift, Language Maintenance, Language Spread, Individual Bilingualism, Societal Bilingualism, Language Contact, Fluency, Globalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Overview of Bilingualism
What is the overall purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of bilingualism and multilingualism studies, examining the topic from both individual and societal perspectives. It aims to offer a foundational understanding of key concepts, definitions, and research areas within the field.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The document covers an introduction to bilingualism, individual bilingualism (including defining bilingualism, key concepts, bilingual ability vs. use, code-switching, and interference), societal bilingualism (including diglossia, language shift, decline, maintenance, and spread), and concluding remarks.
What are the key objectives and themes explored?
The main objectives are to define and understand bilingualism/multilingualism, distinguish between individual and societal bilingualism, explore key concepts like code-switching and language interference, analyze societal factors influencing language use (such as diglossia and language shift), and examine the historical and contemporary prevalence of multilingualism globally.
What are the chapter summaries?
The introduction establishes the context for studying bilingualism, challenging the monolingual norm and introducing the core question of defining bilingualism. The chapter on individual bilingualism delves into different definitions, explores bilingual competence, and covers code-switching and language interference. The chapter on societal bilingualism shifts the focus to community and national dynamics, exploring concepts like diglossia and language shift, considering the impact of historical events on multilingual landscapes.
What are the key terms and concepts discussed in this document?
Key terms include bilingualism, multilingualism, code-switching, language interference, diglossia, language shift, language maintenance, language spread, individual bilingualism, societal bilingualism, language contact, fluency, and globalization.
What is the document's approach to defining bilingualism?
The document critically examines various definitions of bilingualism, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of bilingual competence and distinguishing between bilingual ability and bilingual use. It emphasizes the complexities of defining a "bilingual individual".
How does the document address the societal aspects of bilingualism?
The societal aspect focuses on the dynamics of bilingualism within communities and nations. It explores how societal factors such as historical events (colonialism, formation of the Commonwealth), influence language use, leading to language shift, decline, maintenance, or spread, and discusses the concept of diglossia.
What is the significance of code-switching and language interference in this context?
Code-switching and language interference are presented as key phenomena reflecting the dynamic interaction between an individual's languages. They are analyzed in the context of individual bilingualism, showing how these processes demonstrate the active and complex interplay between a person's linguistic repertoire.
- Citation du texte
- Martin Lehmannn (Auteur), 2005, Exploring Bilingualism - Key Concepts and Basic Issues, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/39435
