bilinguals
Dual language speakers
Bilinguals are people who speak two languages fluently.
The term encompasses those who grew up with two languages from birth and those who acquired a second language later.
Research on bilinguals often examines cognitive effects of dual-language use: Bilinguals may switch between languages mid-sentence.
The singular bilingual works as both noun and adjective.
Alternating between linguistic varieties
- metalinguisticConcerning language itself
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- cognitiveRelating to thinking
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
multitasking · brain · switching · acquisition · proficiency · fluency · comprehension · processing
Exchange of spoken ideas
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- interlocutorOne who converses
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- articulationClear vocal expression
fluency · interpreting · translation · mediation · bridging · miscommunication · clarification · negotiation
Multiple language proficiency
- globalizationWorldwide economic and cultural integration
- migrationMovement to new territory
- diglossiaCoexisting language varieties, distinct roles
- prestigeReputation commanding admiration
State of being submerged
- ESLLanguage instruction abbreviation
- literacyAbility to read, write
- curriculumEducational program's content plan
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
Of two cultural backgrounds
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- ethnicityShared cultural heritage group
- belongingState of fitting in
- hybridityMixed-origin quality
diaspora · assimilation · acculturation · nationality · cosmopolitan · roots
code-switching
Alternating between linguistic varieties
- metalinguisticConcerning language itself
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- cognitiveRelating to thinking
flexibility · multitasking · brain · switching · acquisition · proficiency · fluency · comprehension · processing · inhibition
conversation
Exchange of spoken ideas
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- interlocutorOne who converses
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
articulation · fluency · interpreting · translation · mediation · bridging · miscommunication · clarification · negotiation · accommodation
multilingualism
Multiple language proficiency
- globalizationWorldwide economic and cultural integration
- migrationMovement to new territory
- diglossiaCoexisting language varieties, distinct roles
prestige · stigma · workforce · demographic
immersion
State of being submerged
- ESLLanguage instruction abbreviation
- literacyAbility to read, write
- curriculumEducational program's content plan
assessment · maintenance · subtractive · additive · tutoring
bicultural
Of two cultural backgrounds
- heritageInherited cultural legacy
- ethnicityShared cultural heritage group
- belongingState of fitting in
hybridity · diaspora · assimilation · acculturation · nationality · cosmopolitan · roots
- language groupsMandarin speakers, heritage speakers, Romance languages, Celtic languages, Scandinavian languages
- foreignersforeigner, immigrant, immigrants, migrant, expats
bilingualsmonolinguals
Those speaking one language
monoglots · polyglots · multilinguals · trilinguals · native speakers
- bilingual teachingInstruction in two languages
- bilingual educationSchooling using two languages
- bilingual booksPublications in two languages
- bilingual speakersThose fluent in two languages
- bilingual dictionaryReference matching words across languages
- bilingual schoolSchool using two languages