# bilingualism

/baɪˈɫɪŋɡwəˌɫɪzəm/ (US) · /baɪlˈɪŋɡjuːəlˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bilingualism
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

being able to use two languages well. You also use it for places or schools where people use two languages every day.

For teachers: functional proficiency in two languages, or the regular coexistence and use of two languages within an individual, community, or institution.

## Examples

- Bilingualism helps children speak to both grandparents easily.
- The school supports bilingualism by teaching maths in English and history in Spanish.
- Research on bilingualism suggests that regular switching between languages may strengthen attention control, though findings vary across age groups and language pairs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.