Bilingualism Definition

Bilingualism

Definition

Bilingualism (or more generally: Multilingualism) is the phenomenon of speaking and understanding two or more languages. The term can refer to individuals (individual bilingualism) as well as to an entire society (social bilingualism).
The term can also refer to the corresponding scientific research which studies the phenomenon itself.
Bilingualism, multilingualism and polyglotism can all be used as synonyms for the same phenomenon.

Language Learning - Categories

1. 
   Simultaneous acquisition occurs when, for example, a child learns several languages simultaneously within its social environment. Also called Compound bilingual (amalgamated).
   
2. 
   Successive acquisition means. that different languages are learned at different stages during different phases of life. Called Coordinate bilingual when the two languages are equally used / important or Subordinate bilingual when one language (usually the Mother/Native tongue) dominates the daily life.
   
3. 
   Natural acquisition means that a language is learned without formal instruction.
   
4. 
   Guided acquisition means that the knowledge of a language is acquired by means of instructions (e.g. learning at school).
   
5. 
   Symmetric acquisition means that several languages are equally mastered with a similar proficiency.
   
6. 
   Asymmetric acquisition means that one language dominates the other.
   

This set of categories is somewhat arbitrary. A specific bilingual person is not necessarily “completely” coordinated, compound or subordinate. Indeed, a bilingual can be coordinated for certain parts of the linguistic system, at the level of syntax and semantics, for example, but subordinate to the phonological level. It has a strong accent in its L2, while having impeccable syntax and a rich lexicon.

Thus, an ideal coordinated bilingual would have two completely separate linguistic systems and there would never be a mix of languages at any level. It should also be noted that the organization of the linguistic system and thus the state of bilingualism of a person can change depending on his or her experiences during life.