multilingual
Speaking several languages
Multilingual means using or able to use several languages: a multilingual dictionary, multilingual staff.
A multilingual person speaks multiple languages; a multilingual country has several official or commonly spoken languages.
The word applies to people, places, documents, or services that operate across language boundaries.
One knowing many languages
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- native-speakerOne fluent from birth
- comprehensionMental understanding of meaning
pronunciation · vocabulary · grammar · articulation · eloquence · intonation · conversational · idiomatic
One who conveys meaning between languages
- translatorOne who renders between languages
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
- dubbingPost-production sound replacement
transcription · transliteration · equivalence · glossary · terminology · back-translation
Alternating between linguistic varieties
- neurolinguisticsScience of brain-based speech
- cognitionMental knowledge acquisition
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- cross-linguisticInvolving multiple languages
Between different cultures
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
- miscommunicationFailed exchange of meaning
- pragmaticsLanguage-in-context study
- nonverbalNot using speech
etiquette · context · nuance · idioms · connotation · gestures · taboos · interlocutor
Language acquired from birth
polyglot
One knowing many languages
- fluencySmooth linguistic command
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- native-speakerOne fluent from birth
comprehension · pronunciation · vocabulary · grammar · articulation · eloquence · intonation · conversational · idiomatic · reading
interpreter
One who conveys meaning between languages
- translatorOne who renders between languages
- localizationAdapting for specific markets
- subtitlesOn-screen dialogue text
dubbing · transcription · transliteration · equivalence · glossary · terminology · back-translation
code-switching
Alternating between linguistic varieties
- neurolinguisticsScience of brain-based speech
- cognitionMental knowledge acquisition
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
diglossia
Coexisting language varieties, distinct roles
- plurilingualismCommand of multiple languages
intercultural
Between different cultures
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
- miscommunicationFailed exchange of meaning
- pragmaticsLanguage-in-context study
nonverbal · etiquette · context · nuance · idioms · connotation · gestures · taboos · interlocutor · international
mother-tongue
Language acquired from birth
- language skillsspeaking, reading, writing, listening, fluent
- language educationbiliteracy, immersion, literacy skills, reading, immersion school
- immigrant identityimmigrant experience, immigrant identity, dual identity, hybrid identity, hyphenated identity
- translation termstranslation, literal translation, free translation, word-for-word, source text
- UN translationinterpreters, translators, official languages, Arabic, Chinese
- languageword, words, grammar, spelling, alphabet
- multilingual communitiesGroups using multiple languages
- multilingual dictionaryReference translating between languages