Trilingual: meaning, definitions and examples
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trilingual
[traΙͺΛlΙͺΕΙ‘wΙl ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
language proficiency
Trilingual refers to the ability to speak, understand, and use three different languages fluently. It signifies a high level of linguistic skill and can often enhance a person's job prospects and cultural understanding.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French fluently.
- The trilingual program at the school helps students learn multiple languages from a young age.
- Being trilingual can give you an advantage in international business.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin roots 'tri' meaning three and 'lingua' meaning language.
- It originally described a person who could communicate in three tongues, highlighting linguistic diversity.
Cognitive Science
- Studies show that speaking multiple languages can improve cognitive functions, like problem-solving and multitasking.
- Trilingual individuals often have enhanced metalinguistic awareness, leading to better understanding of language structure.
Cultural Impact
- In multicultural societies, being trilingual can create social connections and foster understanding among diverse communities.
- Countries like Canada and Switzerland have many trilingual individuals due to their official multilingual status.
Education
- Learning multiple languages can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older age, benefiting mental health.
- Many educational systems encourage trilingualism to prepare students for a globalized world.
Pop Culture
- Famous polyglots, such as Ziad Fazah, often promote the idea of multilingualism through media and public speaking.
- Movies and books featuring characters from multilingual backgrounds highlight the beauty and challenge of navigating multiple languages.