UNDERSTANDING MULTILINGUALISM
OBJECTIVES
o Define multilingualism and know the factors that have invigorated the
phenomenon;
o Understand and recognize the value of linguistic diversity in a multilingual
society; and
o Write a reaction essay on the issue of a national language vis-à-vis its place
in a multilingual environment.
o
INTRODUCTION
The tower of Babel explains the context on which multilingualism (multiple
languages) may be originated. During that time, it is said (but it is not proven to be
true) that the world originally had “one shared language”. But here comes the people
of Babel who attempted to build a tower that would reach the heaven. They want to
prove that they can reach the heaven by just their own to make a name for
themselves. It is known as the “Tower of Babel.” They don’t believe in God nor listen
to him. That greatly displeased God so he made them speak different languages. In
that way, they will not be able to communicate or understand each other, causing
them to not finish the tower.
The story of the Towel of Babel is not proven to be true. Although, it is somewhat
connected to the universal grammar of Noam Chomsky, saying that all languages
are common. There is a common origin of all languages. Despite that, we cannot
deny the fact that there exist multiple languages across countries. At present, there
are approximately 6,000-7,000 languages worldwide (UNESCO, Education in a
Multilingual World, 2003). All countries are considered as multi-lingual countries.
Imagine that you live in a world where there is only one language. What do you
think will happen? How will our world be different from what it is now? Will you
consider it as a "linguistic paradise"? Why? Why not?
Multi-lingual individual as ―anyone who can communicate in more than one
language, be it active (through speaking and writing) or passive (through listening
and reading). It is different from bilingual wherein it only consists of two languages
Multilingualism as the ability of societies, institutions, groups and individuals to
engage on a regular basis with more than one language in their day to day lives. In
here, we are not just referring to individual people but in a broader context. How
people in a society as a whole interacts and communicate to one another using more
than two languages.
“Multilingualism is widely regarded as ―a natural state of humankind.” It means that
it is a natural/common phenomenon in every human being.
Why is it a common phenomenon?
1. Because there are more languages in the world (almost 7,000) than countries
(195). It follows that a significant number of speakers have more than one
language;
2. Because languages are "unevenly distributed"; speakers of the minority
language groups need to learn and use the language of the majority groups;
3. Because we have immigrants who speak their first language and who need to
acquire and speak the language of the host (or new) country; and
4. Because we learn additional languages, like English, for better social and
economic opportunities.
1. Individual vs. Societal Multilingualism
a. Individual Multilingualism
Sometimes referred to as plurilingualism. Refers to an individual person's
ability to use more than two languages fluently.
b. Societal Multilingualism
Refers to the contexts, circumstances, order, manner and routines of use of
languages in different kinds of communities, organizations and groups. It
basically means how people within a society, organizations, groups interact
and communicate to one another.
2. Receptive vs. Productive Multilingualism
a. Receptive Multilingualism
Refers to the ability to understanding a language (spoken or written). A
person’s ability to understand more than two languages both spoken/written.
b. Productive Multilingualism
Refers to the ability to produce a language (speaking or writing). To produce
more than two languages orally or through writing.
Historical Multilingualism and Contemporary Multilingualism:
1. Geographical: In comparison with the past, multilingualism is not limited to
geographically close languages or to specific border areas or trade routes. It
is a global phenomenon spreading over different parts of the world.
2. Social: Multilingualism is no longer associated with specific special strata,
profession or rituals. It is increasingly spreading across different classes,
professions and socio-cultural activities.
3. Medium: In the past, multilingual communication was often limited to writing
and mail was slow. In the 21st century, because of the internet, multilingual
communication is multimodal and instantaneous.
Factors that contribute to the current visibility of Multilingualism:
1. Globalization as a context and the driving force: The scope of
multilingualism has broadened immensely to the extent that it now covers the
whole world. Even the countries that were until recently considered strictly
monolingual such as Japan and Iceland, are now experiencing an influence of
languages and multilingual speakers. What has led to such fundamental
worldwide changes in the way people use their languages? Globalization is
frequently invoked in this connection.
2. Mobility is deemed to be the cause of diversity of current multilingualism.
Altering between different cities, countries and continents has become normal
as opposed to one way migration in earlier times. Contemporary migration is
more visible and receives more attention from researchers because it is more
intense and more crucially intertwined with the fabric of society.
3. Technological advancement. This is the prominent cause of multilingualism.
For instance, watching k-dramas wherein we learn Korean language or
trending vlogs where we learn the vloggers’ language or language courses
that are accessible through online in which it offers many languages that we
can learn. Not only in digital tools but technological means of transportation
and etc.
Why language diversity is needed?
1. Languages are "libraries of the intangible heritage of humankind" (p. 32).
Human knowledge, history, and experiences are encoded and stored in
languages.
2. Languages reflect an individual and a community's culture, tradition, and
identity.
3. Diversity in languages and cultures results in more ideas and creativity for
communities to collectively adapt to the changing world and find solutions to
new issues that arise. (If we think of the same thing, there would be no
innovation. If there is diversity, we can bring different opinions, information,
and perspectives collectively to solve common problems. There is a holistic
view. If not diverse/ have common thinking, there is limited source of ideas. All
that was invented not only came from a single person.)
4. The significance of linguistic diversity was compared with ecological diversity
where diversity is directly related to stability, which is important for long-term
survival. (Ex. Giraffe) If we stay in common, we cannot survive. If the giraffe
has short neck, they cannot survive.
CONCLUSION
Multilingualism is an inevitable phenomenon that drastically impacts the lives of
almost anyone, either in a negative or positive manner. It is driven by global factors
and fueled by digital media. For students, the importance lies in the increasingly
documented advantages that multilingualism has for their development and well-
being in the areas of language development, academic achievement, employment
opportunities, and socioeconomic outcomes. Learning new languages boosts their
cognitive functions, including memory, as this expands their mind and worldwide. For
parents, the importance is in maintaining family ties to heritage and culture,
generational connections, and seeing their children better prepared for the new
demands of globalization. For workers, the importance is in developing greater
flexibility to move around in different positions and enhancing stronger
communication skills, becoming a highly valuable asset in the workplace. For
educators, the importance is in having diverse and pluralistic classrooms, rich with
multiple perspectives and experiences. For individuals, the importance is in being
open to new cultures and to the fruits of diversity, developing empathetic character. It
can also help boost their confidence and increase self-esteem. For society, the
importance is in better understanding and mutual acceptance of people from diverse
backgrounds. Multilingualism allows societies to move beyond simple tolerance
toward a more peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Whether that be a greater
or lesser impact, we can't change the reality that multilingualism is continuously
extending its branches to reach even the remotest area in the world, transcending
national borders.
