A Narrow View of the definition of ‘Bilingual’
The popular definition of bilingualism includes a narrow gap between the competency levels of two languages. It is implied that each language is well developed in all four areas of language skills (speaking, listening, writing, reading). Grosjean’s (2008) holistic view of bilingualism paints a broad spectrum with many combinations. He describes bilingualism as “the regular use of two or more languages (or dialects), and bilinguals are those people who use two or more languages (or dialects) in their everyday lives” (Grosjean, 2008, p. 10).
Different purposes and contexts elicit different levels of competencies. “The bilingual uses the two languages—separately or together—for different purposes, in different domains of life, with different people.” (Grosjean, 2008, p. 14). It is normal to have strengths and weaknesses within different domains. Balanced bilinguals with strong competencies are rare (Baker, 2011).
Baker (2011) states, “over time and place, an individual’s two languages are never static but ever-changing and evolving” (p. 16). Seeing bilingualism on a continuum is perhaps more accurate. No two bilinguals are the same!
Different purposes and contexts elicit different levels of competencies. “The bilingual uses the two languages—separately or together—for different purposes, in different domains of life, with different people.” (Grosjean, 2008, p. 14). It is normal to have strengths and weaknesses within different domains. Balanced bilinguals with strong competencies are rare (Baker, 2011).
Baker (2011) states, “over time and place, an individual’s two languages are never static but ever-changing and evolving” (p. 16). Seeing bilingualism on a continuum is perhaps more accurate. No two bilinguals are the same!