HI-LING
LINGUISTICS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
UNIT 2: VIOLATION OF MAXIMS
Introduction to Bilingualism
What exactly is bilingualism, and who is a bilingual? How do we define this term? This module answers these questions and gives us more insights into the subfields of bilingualism.
Picture this: You're in the middle of a busy street market, surrounded by vendors selling their things and speaking a different language. No big deal, right? Being able to understand and talk back in this situation is what bilingualism and multilingualism is all about. It's not just a cool skill; it helps you connect with other people and makes conversations more interesting. In this module we will explore the practical side of speaking two languages and how it adds a special touch to daily interactions. Bilingualism is like having a key to better understand different cultures and talk effectively.
Why is Bilingualism important for us?
Languages are like tools we use every day to express ourselves. Some people only speak one language, the so called monolinguals. Others, who can speak two or more languages, are called bilinguals or multilinguals. You might think being bilingual is rare, but actually, one out of three people in the world regularly uses two or more languages for work, family, and leisure. Switzerland is a great example of this mix of languages. Think about this: How many languages do you encounter every day? How many languages do you use every day, and where and when do you usually use them? The answers here can vary and be very individual. To begin with, let's remember that bilingualism is a phenomenon that occurs in places where many different languages exist. It is a result of "language contact" or, more precisely, a result of people, cultures, and/or nations being in contact. Multilingualism shows itself in various forms in all age groups and social classes worldwide.
Because Bilingualism is constantly present in many aspects of our lives, there are various factors to think about when we try to define this term. For example, the degree of bilingualism (how well one can speak the language(s)), in what context language learning takes place, at what age the languages are learned and where the languages are used. Considering all these aspects helps us to understand the term bilingualism better and understand the complexity that comes with it. As we move forward in this module, we will explore more about bilingualism—how it affects our thinking, our cultures, and our daily lives. Understanding this mix of languages not only broadens our perspectives but also allows us to appreciate the rich variety it brings to our world.