What is the difference between bilingual and multilingual?

Definitions

bilingual

- Describing a person who can speak and understand two languages fluently.

- Referring to a community or region where two languages are commonly spoken.

- Talking about a program or education system that teaches in two languages.

multilingual

- Describing a person who can speak and understand multiple languages fluently.

- Referring to a community or region where multiple languages are commonly spoken.

- Talking about a document, website, or software that is available in multiple languages.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both involve the ability to speak and understand multiple languages.
• 2. Both can refer to individuals or communities.
• 3. Both highlight the importance of language diversity and communication skills.
• 4. Both can be advantageous in today's globalized world.
• 5. Both require exposure and practice in different languages.

What is the difference?

• 1. Number of languages: Bilingual refers specifically to two languages, while multilingual encompasses more than two languages.
• 2. Scope: Bilingual can be used to describe an individual or a community, while multilingual is more commonly used to describe individuals.
• 3. Usage: Bilingual is often used in the context of language proficiency, while multilingual is used to emphasize the ability to communicate in multiple languages.
• 4. Education: Bilingual can also refer to a program or education system that teaches in two languages, while multilingual does not have this specific educational connotation.
• 5. Commonness: Bilingual is a more common term and widely recognized, while multilingual is less commonly used but still understood.

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Remember this!

Bilingual and multilingual both refer to the ability to speak and understand multiple languages. However, the difference lies in the number of languages and the scope of usage. Bilingual specifically refers to two languages and can be used to describe individuals, communities, or education systems. On the other hand, multilingual encompasses more than two languages and is primarily used to describe individuals who can communicate in multiple languages.