bilingualism
UK[ˌbaɪˈlɪŋɡwəlɪzəm]US[ˌbaɪˈlɪŋɡwəlɪzəm]
n
the ability to speak two languages fluently.
n
the regular use of two languages by an individual or within a community.
Morpheme Breakdown
bi
lingu
ism
bi
two
lingu
language
ism
state or condition
Etymology
the word 'bilingualism' is a modern english formation built from classical components. its core, the latin root 'lingua' (tongue, language), originates from the proto-indo-european 'dn̥ǵʰwéh₂s', which meant 'tongue' both as an organ and as speech. this is prefixed with the latin 'bi-' for 'two', establishing the concept of duality in language. finally, the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ism', of greek origin, was appended to denote the state or practice. thus, the term logically constructs the modern concept from its literal morphemes: the condition of having two tongues or languages.
Analysis
Structure: bi (two) + lingu (language) + ism (state or condition)
- bi: from latin 'bi-', meaning 'two'. a numerical prefix indicating duality.
- lingu: from latin 'lingua', meaning 'tongue, language'. a root denoting speech or language.
- ism: from greek '-ismos', via latin '-ismus', a suffix forming nouns indicating a state, condition, doctrine, or practice.
Examples
growing up in a multilingual household fostered her natural bilingualism.
the country's official policy promotes bilingualism in education.
research shows cognitive benefits associated with early childhood bilingualism.