What is the difference between plurilingual and bilingual?

Definitions

plurilingual

- Describing a person who can speak multiple languages fluently.

- Referring to a community or society where multiple languages are spoken and valued.

- Talking about the ability to use different languages in different contexts or situations.

bilingual

- Describing a person who can speak two languages fluently.

- Referring to a community or society where two languages are spoken and valued.

- Talking about the ability to use two languages interchangeably in different contexts or situations.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words refer to the ability to speak more than one language.
• 2. Both words can describe individuals or communities.
• 3. Both words emphasize the value of multilingualism.
• 4. Both words can be used as adjectives or nouns.

What is the difference?

• 1. Number of languages: Plurilingual refers to speaking multiple languages, while bilingual specifically refers to speaking two languages.
• 2. Scope: Plurilingual has a broader scope, encompassing any number of languages beyond two, while bilingual is limited to two languages.
• 3. Usage: Plurilingual emphasizes the ability to use different languages in different contexts, while bilingual emphasizes the ability to use two languages interchangeably.
• 4. Connotation: Plurilingual has a more positive connotation, emphasizing the value of multilingualism and diversity, while bilingual can sometimes be associated with assimilation or loss of cultural identity.
• 5. Commonness: Bilingual is more commonly used than plurilingual in everyday language.

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Remember this!

Plurilingual and bilingual both refer to the ability to speak more than one language. However, plurilingual has a broader scope, referring to speaking multiple languages beyond two, and emphasizes the ability to use different languages in different contexts. Bilingual, on the other hand, specifically refers to speaking two languages and emphasizes the ability to use them interchangeably. While both words emphasize the value of multilingualism, plurilingual has a more positive connotation and is less common in everyday language.