bilingualism

[ bahy-ling-gwuh-liz-uhmor, Canadian, -ling-gyoo-uh- ]

noun

1. the ability to speak two languages fluently.
2. the habitual use of two languages.
3. (in Canada) a national policy supporting the use of both official languages (French and English) by various means, such as mandatory bilingual product labeling, compulsory teaching of both languages in schools, the guarantee of publicly funded schools in the minority official language where numbers warrant, and the delivery of government services in both languages.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilingualism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; bilingual + -ism

Example Sentences

Bilingualism must thus be considered as a solution of the language question in Belgium in the fifteenth century.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of threatening national unity, bilingualism was its necessary condition.

From Project Gutenberg

However, they were not so far removed from one another as to make bilingualism difficult.

From Project Gutenberg

There was considerable bilingualism among the population of the Fort Hall plains.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: bilingual, diglot, bilingualism, bilinguist.

From Project Gutenberg