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Bilingually Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bilingually

[ˌbaɪlɪŋˈɡwɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

language use

Bilingually refers to the ability to speak and understand two languages fluently. It is often used to describe individuals who have proficiency in both languages to a high degree. This ability can enhance communication skills in multilingual environments. Bilingualism can also influence cognitive abilities and cultural understanding, as it allows individuals to navigate between different linguistic frameworks.

Synonyms

dual-language, two-language.

Examples of usage

  • She communicates bilingually in English and Spanish.
  • The school encourages teaching bilingually to promote cultural awareness.
  • He thinks bilingually, switching effortlessly between French and German.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Bilingually taught students often perform better in problem-solving and cognitive flexibility compared to monolingual peers.
  • Many educators advocate for early exposure to multiple languages, promoting cognitive development at young ages.
  • Countries that officialize bilingual education see stronger cultural identity and preservation of native languages.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that bilingual individuals may have enhanced memory and multitasking skills due to their brain's constant language switching.
  • Bilingually raised children might exhibit delayed language milestones in each language, but they often catch up and exceed peers in overall language skills.
  • The 'bilingual advantage' theory suggests that switching between languages can improve attention control and problem-solving abilities.

Pop Culture

  • Bilingually passionate artists like Shakira and Osuna often blend languages in their music, appealing to diverse audiences.
  • In film and television, bilingual dialogue is increasingly popular, reflecting real-world diversity and promoting inclusion.
  • Bilingually themed shows, such as 'Jane the Virgin', have gained popularity for showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of bilingual life.

Linguistics

  • The phenomenon of code-switching occurs when bilinguals alternate between languages in conversation, often revealing social dynamics.
  • Studies show that bilinguals may perceive and interpret emotions differently based on the language they are using.
  • Bilingually trained linguists understand that context plays a critical role in how languages are used in social settings.

Origin of 'bilingually'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'bi-' means 'two', coming from Latin, which pairs with the word 'lingual', relating to language.
  • The concept of bilingualism has roots in the 19th century but has gained increased recognition in global contexts recently.
  • In various cultures, the ability to speak two languages can be traced back to ancient societies, particularly in trade and diplomacy.

The term 'bilingually' derives from the word 'bilingual', which is a combination of 'bi-' from Latin meaning 'two' and 'lingua', meaning 'language'. This concept has roots that can be traced back to discussions on language acquisition and social structures in multilingual societies. The use of the word emphasizes the ability to operate in two languages with proficiency. As global interaction increases, the relevance and need for bilinguality has grown, especially in education and workforce settings. The adverbial form 'bilingually' highlights the manner in which one can communicate or operate, making it essential for understanding cultural nuances and improving interpersonal relations.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,235, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.