Introduction to Bilingualism
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Parent Education for Bilingualism course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Introduction to Bilingualism #
Introduction to Bilingualism
Bilingualism is the ability to speak and understand two languages fluently #
It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been studied from various perspectives, including cognitive, social, and linguistic. In the context of the Graduate Certificate in Parent Education for Bilingualism, understanding the concept of bilingualism is crucial for effectively supporting bilingual children and their families. This glossary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of key terms related to bilingualism to enhance your knowledge and practice in this field.
A #
A
Acquisition #
Acquisition
Acquisition refers to the natural process through which individuals learn a lang… #
This term is often used to describe how children acquire their first language(s) in their early years.
Assessment #
Assessment
Assessment is the process of evaluating a person's language proficiency in one o… #
It helps educators and professionals determine an individual's language skills, strengths, and areas that need improvement.
Acculturation #
Acculturation
Acculturation is the process of adapting to a new culture when learning a new la… #
It involves adopting the cultural norms, values, and behaviors of the new language community while maintaining aspects of one's own culture.
B #
B
Bilingual Education #
Bilingual Education
Bilingual education refers to programs that use two languages as mediums of inst… #
These programs aim to develop students' proficiency in both languages while providing academic content in a supportive environment.
Bilingualism #
Bilingualism
Bilingualism refers to the ability to speak and understand two languages fluentl… #
Bilingual individuals can switch between languages depending on the context, topic, or interlocutors.
Biliteracy #
Biliteracy
Biliteracy is the ability to read and write proficiently in two languages #
It goes beyond oral language skills and involves literacy development in both languages.
C #
C
Code #
Switching
Code #
switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation. It is a common phenomenon among bilingual individuals and can serve various communicative functions.
Comprehensible Input #
Comprehensible Input
Comprehensible input refers to language input that is understandable to learners… #
It is a crucial concept in language acquisition and learning.
Cognitive Benefits #
Cognitive Benefits
Cognitive benefits refer to the positive effects of bilingualism on cognitive fu… #
Bilingual individuals often demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities compared to monolinguals.
D #
D
Dual Language Immersion #
Dual Language Immersion
Dual language immersion programs provide instruction in two languages to promote… #
Students receive content instruction in both languages to develop proficiency in both.
Developmental Bilingualism #
Developmental Bilingualism
Developmental bilingualism occurs when individuals acquire two languages simulta… #
It is a natural and gradual process that involves exposure to both languages in different contexts.
Dominant Language #
Dominant Language
The dominant language is the language in which an individual has greater profici… #
It is often the language of instruction or the dominant language spoken in the community.
E #
E
Early Childhood Bilingualism #
Early Childhood Bilingualism
Early childhood bilingualism refers to the acquisition of two languages during t… #
Children exposed to multiple languages from infancy are more likely to become bilingual proficient speakers.
Exposure #
Exposure
Exposure refers to the amount of contact a person has with a language #
The more exposure a person has to a language, the greater the likelihood of developing proficiency in that language.
English Language Learners (ELL) #
English Language Learners (ELL)
English Language Learners (ELL) are students who are learning English as an addi… #
ELL students often require specialized support to develop their language skills and academic proficiency.
F #
F
Foreign Language #
Foreign Language
A foreign language is a language that is not the native or dominant language of… #
Learning foreign languages can provide individuals with new linguistic and cultural perspectives.
Family Language Policy #
Family Language Policy
A family language policy is a set of rules or guidelines that determine how lang… #
It influences language acquisition, maintenance, and development among family members.
First Language Acquisition #
First Language Acquisition
First language acquisition is the process through which children learn their nat… #
It is a natural and unconscious process that occurs through exposure and interaction.
G #
G
Globalization #
Globalization
Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of societies and cultures around… #
The spread of information, technology, and communication has facilitated the use and importance of multiple languages.
Heritage Language #
Heritage Language
A heritage language is a language that is part of an individual's cultural or fa… #
Heritage languages are often passed down through generations.
Home Language #
Home Language
The home language is the language(s) spoken within a person's household or famil… #
It reflects the linguistic and cultural identity of the family members and plays a significant role in language development.
H #
H
Heritage Language Learner #
Heritage Language Learner
A heritage language learner is an individual who is learning or maintaining a he… #
Heritage language learners may have varying levels of proficiency in the language.
Language Dominance #
Language Dominance
Language dominance refers to the level of proficiency or fluency an individual h… #
It can vary depending on the context, exposure, and frequency of language use.
Language Maintenance #
Language Maintenance
Language maintenance refers to the process of preserving and continuing to use a… #
It involves regular practice, exposure, and reinforcement of language skills to prevent language loss.
I #
I
Immersion Education #
Immersion Education
Immersion education is a bilingual education approach that provides instruction… #
Immersion programs aim to develop bilingualism and academic proficiency.
Interference #
Interference
Interference occurs when features of one language influence the production or co… #
It is a common phenomenon among bilinguals and can lead to errors or changes in language use.
Interlocutor #
Interlocutor
An interlocutor is a person who participates in a conversation or communication… #
Bilingual individuals may adapt their language use depending on the interlocutor's language proficiency or preferences.
J #
J
Language Development #
Language Development
Language development refers to the process through which individuals acquire, le… #
It includes phonological, lexical, syntactic, and pragmatic aspects of language.
Language Exposure #
Language Exposure
Language exposure refers to the opportunities and contexts in which individuals… #
Increased exposure to a language can enhance language proficiency and fluency in that language.
Language Maintenance #
Language Maintenance
Language maintenance refers to the process of preserving and continuing to use a… #
It involves regular practice, exposure, and reinforcement of language skills to prevent language loss.
K #
K
Language Acquisition #
Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is the process through which individuals learn a language n… #
It involves the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a linguistic environment.
Language Transfer #
Language Transfer
Language transfer refers to the influence of one language on the learning or use… #
It can result in similarities or differences in language structures, vocabulary, or pronunciation.
Language Proficiency #
Language Proficiency
Language proficiency is the level of competence a person has in a particular lan… #
Proficiency can be measured in terms of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in different contexts.
L #
L
Minority Language #
Minority Language
A minority language is a language spoken by a minority group within a larger com… #
Minority languages often face challenges in terms of preservation, promotion, and recognition.
Multilingualism #
Multilingualism
Multilingualism refers to the ability to speak and understand multiple languages #
Multilingual individuals may use two or more languages in different domains of life, such as work, home, and social settings.
Mixed Language Input #
Mixed Language Input
Mixed language input occurs when bilingual individuals are exposed to and use tw… #
It can involve code-switching, borrowing, or blending elements from both languages in communication.
M #
M
Monolingualism #
Monolingualism
Monolingualism refers to the ability to speak and understand only one language #
Monolingual individuals may lack proficiency in additional languages but can still develop strong language skills in their native language.
Language Minority #
Language Minority
Language minority refers to a group of people who speak a language that is not w… #
Language minorities may face challenges related to language rights, education, and identity.
Multiculturalism #
Multiculturalism
Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence of multiple cultures within a society #
It promotes respect, tolerance, and understanding of diverse cultural practices, languages, and identities.
N #
N
Native Language #
Native Language
The native language is the language(s) that an individual learns first and uses… #
It is often associated with cultural identity, emotional connections, and communicative competence.
Neurolinguistics #
Neurolinguistics
Neurolinguistics is the study of the neural mechanisms underlying language proce… #
It explores how the brain processes language, stores vocabulary, and generates speech.
Non #
Native Speaker
A non #
native speaker is an individual who speaks a language that is not their first or native language. Non-native speakers may have varying levels of proficiency and may experience challenges in language use.
O #
O
Official Language #
Official Language
An official language is a language designated by a government or institution as… #
Official languages often reflect the cultural and political identity of a country.
One Person, One Language (OPOL) #
One Person, One Language (OPOL)
One Person, One Language (OPOL) is a bilingual parenting strategy in which each… #
This approach helps children develop proficiency in both languages through consistent exposure.
Orthography #
Orthography
Orthography refers to the conventional spelling system of a language #
It includes rules for representing sounds, words, and grammar in written form, which vary across languages and writing systems.
P #
P
Parental Involvement #
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement refers to the active participation of parents in their chil… #
It includes supporting language learning, providing resources, and creating a language-rich environment at home.
Parentese #
Parentese
Parentese is a simplified and exaggerated form of speech that parents use when c… #
It involves high-pitched intonation, repetition, and exaggerated facial expressions to engage young learners.
Preschool Bilingualism #
Preschool Bilingualism
Preschool bilingualism refers to the exposure of young children to two languages… #
Bilingual preschool programs aim to develop language skills, cultural awareness, and social interaction in a multilingual environment.
Q #
Q
Quality of Input #
Quality of Input
The quality of input refers to the richness, clarity, and appropriateness of lan… #
High-quality input provides learners with meaningful and comprehensible language models for acquisition and learning.
Quotidian Bilingualism #
Quotidian Bilingualism
Quotidian bilingualism refers to the everyday use of two languages in various co… #
Bilingual individuals engage in quotidian bilingual practices at home, work, school, and social settings.
Questioning Techniques #
Questioning Techniques
Questioning techniques involve strategies that educators use to elicit responses… #
Effective questioning techniques can enhance language learning and engagement in the classroom.
R #
R
Receptive Bilingualism #
Receptive Bilingualism
Receptive bilingualism refers to the ability to understand and comprehend a lang… #
Receptive bilinguals can listen, read, and understand messages in multiple languages.
Second Language Learning #
Second Language Learning
Second language learning is the process through which individuals acquire profic… #
It involves developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a new linguistic environment.
Simultaneous Bilingualism #
Simultaneous Bilingualism
Simultaneous bilingualism occurs when children learn two languages at the same t… #
It is a natural and common phenomenon in multilingual families or communities.
S #
S
Social Interaction #
Social Interaction
Social interaction involves communication and engagement with others in various… #
Social interaction plays a crucial role in language development and learning.
Speech Development #
Speech Development
Speech development refers to the process through which individuals acquire and r… #
It involves mastering pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, and articulation for effective communication.
Sociolinguistics #
Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is the study of language in relation to social factors, such as… #
It explores how language use reflects and shapes social interactions and relationships.
T #
T
Translanguaging #
Translanguaging
Translanguaging is a pedagogical approach that encourages bilingual individuals… #
It involves seamless switching, blending, and integrating of languages for meaningful interaction.
Target Language #
Target Language
The target language is the language that learners are aiming to acquire or impro… #
It is the language of instruction in language learning programs and the focus of language development activities.
Top #
Down Processing
Top #
down processing is a cognitive process in which individuals use prior knowledge, context, and expectations to understand and interpret language input. It involves using higher-order thinking skills to make sense of language.
U #
U
Universal Grammar #
Universal Grammar
Universal Grammar is a theory proposed by linguist Noam Chomsky that suggests hu… #
It posits that all languages share underlying linguistic principles and structures.
Usage #
Based Theory
Usage #
Based Theory is a cognitive theory of language acquisition that emphasizes the role of language use in learning and development. It suggests that language learning is influenced by exposure, interaction, and communicative practice.
Utterance #
Utterance
An utterance is a unit of speech that conveys a complete thought or message #
It can range from a single word to a complex sentence and is used in communication to express ideas, feelings, and intentions.
V #
V
Vocabulary Development #
Vocabulary Development
Vocabulary development refers to the process through which individuals acquire a… #
It involves learning new words, meanings, and usage in different contexts.
Vernacular Language #
Vernacular Language
A vernacular language is a regional or local dialect spoken by people in everyda… #
Vernacular languages reflect the cultural, social, and historical identities of communities and may vary in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) #
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an online platform or system that facili… #
VLEs support distance learning, collaboration, and interaction among students and instructors.
W #
W
Word Recognition #
Word Recognition
Word recognition is the ability to identify and understand words quickly and acc… #
It involves decoding written words, understanding their meanings, and connecting them to prior knowledge.
Written Language #
Written Language
Written language refers to the system of symbols, characters, or scripts used to… #
It includes alphabets, scripts, and writing systems that vary across languages and cultures.
Working Memory #
Working Memory
Working memory is a cognitive system that temporarily stores and processes infor… #
It plays a crucial role in language learning, processing, and production.