bilingualism

noun

bi·​lin·​gual·​ism (ˌ)bī-ˈliŋ-gwə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the ability to speak two languages

2

: the frequent use (as by a community) of two languages

3

: the political or institutional recognition of two languages

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows that bilingualism can be beneficial to a child’s development and facilitates cultural understanding. —Rhyan Du Peloux, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Dec. 2022

And a study in Cerebrum Medical Journal shows the same for bilingualism. —Jennifer Sala, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2022

Listening to and playing music builds and maintains a neuroplastic foundation, much like native bilingualism. —Jennifer Sala, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2022

The guide also notes that an accurate depiction of language should include not just regionally appropriate accents and idioms but also fluency based on character history and the existence of bilingualism and code-switching. —Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2022

The emerging bilingualism of many Hispanic students may help facilitate advanced STEM skills through greater mathematical reasoning, procedural learning and problem-solving. —Paul L. Morgan, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2022

In Ontario, and other predominantly English-speaking provinces, there is a sense that French and bilingualism are thriving in Quebec and that further regulation is unnecessary. —Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2022

Instead, for 30 years Istrians have supported a centrist political party, the Istrian Democratic Assembly, committed to bilingualism and multi-ethnic cooperation. —Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Aug. 2022

While there's often old wives' tales that say bilingualism delays reading or speaking proficiency, in fact, the opposite is true. —Christina Montoya Fiedler, Good Housekeeping, 22 Aug. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1