bilingualism

American  

[bahy-ling-gwuh-liz-uhm, -ling-gyoo-uh-] / baɪˈlɪŋ gwəˌlɪz əm, -ˈlɪŋ gyu ə- /

or, Canadian, bilinguality

noun

1. the ability to speak two languages fluently.

2. the habitual use of two languages.

3. (in Canada) a national policy supporting the use of both official languages (French and English) by various means, such as mandatory bilingual product labeling, compulsory teaching of both languages in schools, the guarantee of publicly funded schools in the minority official language where numbers warrant, and the delivery of government services in both languages.

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Usage

What does bilingualism mean? Bilingualism is the ability to speak or understand two languages or the regular use of two languages.The adjective bilingual is most commonly used to describe someone who can speak or understand two languages, especially with some level of fluency. It can also be used to describe things that involve or that are written or spoken in two languages, as in These instructions are bilingual—they’re written in English and Spanish.The similar terms trilingualism and multilingualism are used in the same way, with trilingualism indicating the use of three languages and multilingualism indicating the use of more than two and especially several languages. Monolingualism refers to the use of only one language.In Canada, bilingualism is used in a more specific way to refer to a government-supported program to encourage all citizens to learn both English and French.Example: Our kids’ school supports bilingualism both for students with two natives languages and students who are learning a second language.

Etymology

Origin of bilingualism

First recorded in 1870–75; bilingual + -ism

Example Sentences

A plane crash leads to an unseemly fight over bilingualism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Canadian author Jack Jedwab wrote in French language newspaper La Presse that Rousseau's lack of French knowledge sends a message to Air Canada employees that "bilingualism is a constraint, not a value".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

She adds that while bilingualism is an excellent mental exercise, the challenges of learning multiple languages are real.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2024

The journal Behavioral Science reports that "Even late-life foreign language learning without lifelong bilingualism can train cognitive flexibility," a balm to those of us with concerns about our aging brains.

From Salon • Feb. 10, 2024

In my case such bilingualism could not have been so quickly achieved.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez