Article Author: Sacha Anthony Berardo, Clotilde Galano

Bilingualism appears to be the norm rather than the exception. A common definition of bilingualism is the ability to speak two languages well. More academic definitions range from ‘native-like competence’ to ‘producing meaningful utterances’. However, all these definitions refer only to one aspect of bilingualism, namely the level of proficiency, and do not take any non-linguistic dimensions into consideration. The age at which a second language (L2) is acquired plays an important role, with the distinction being made between childhood, adolescent and adult bilingualism. Language acquisition can take place in an endogenous environment, where the L1 is not spoken within the community, or an exogenous environment, where the L1 is spoken within the community. A language with a positive status produces an additive form of bilingualism, while a devalued language produces a subtractive form. The way in which the bilingual individual perceives themselves is also important in establishing their cultural identity, which may be bicultural, monocultural, L2 acculturated, or deculturated. Individual bilingualism is therefore a combination of psychological and sociological factors. Bilingualism is both an individual phenomenon as well as a societal one involving languages in contact. Both are integral to human behaviour. One of the most important aspects of societal bilingualism is diglossia, where two or more language systems coexist within a speech community. Each system has a distinct range of domains and functions, and the systems are used in complementary ways. Bilingualism is therefore the interaction of all these factors, as well as with individuals and society. Bilingualism has become increasingly relevant in the 21st century due to globalisation, economic integration and cultural exchange. It is recognized as a valuable asset, both for individuals and societies, with benefits ranging from cognitive advantages to enhanced cultural understanding. The rise of globalisation

Keywords: Bilingualism; Individual; Societal; Disglossia

Article Review Status: Published

Pages: 17 - 22

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