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Multilingualism Facts & Worksheets

The capacity to speak fluently in two or more languages is known as multilingualism, and it is becoming ever more essential in our globalized society. It includes speaking more than one language fluently on a personal level, as well as the custom of speaking different languages in a country or community.

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The capacity to speak fluently in two or more languages is known as multilingualism, and it is becoming ever more essential in our globalized society. It includes speaking more than one language fluently on a personal level, as well as the custom of speaking different languages in a country or community.

See the fact file below for more information about Multilingualism or you can download our 24-page Multilingualism worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BRIEF HISTORY

  • Multilingualism has a long history that follows the evolution of human communication.
  • It is similar to how societies develop and how important it is to connect across linguistic and cultural divides.
  • Due to commerce and migration, early human tribes and communities spoke multiple languages.
  • As people traveled the world, they came into contact with people who spoke other languages, and in order to survive and cooperate, they learned numerous tongues. 
  • Multiple languages were used inside the borders of ancient empires, such as the Sumerian, Egyptian, and later Roman empires. 
  • Speaking multiple languages was frequently necessary to manage a diverse population and conduct business with nearby communities. 
  • Medieval Europe commonly used Latin, especially for academic writing and within the Church. 
  • Global multilingualism increased during the 15th and 17th centuries of exploration and colonization. 
  • When European settlers settled in new areas, they carried their languages with them, frequently creating pidgins and creoles. 
  • National languages displaced regional dialects throughout the Industrial Revolution and modernization of the 18th and 19th centuries, but the rise in literacy and education levels also made multilingualism possible. 
  • Globalization, decolonization, and world wars all significantly increased linguistic contact. 
  • The rise of multinational organizations and the global economy made bilingual people in commerce, science, and diplomacy necessary. 
  • Multilingualism is a skill that has become quite accessible today due to technological improvements and the internet. 

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MULTILINGUALISM?

  • Multilingualism promotes inclusion and mutual respect among varied groups from a societal standpoint.
  • Effective communication is essential in today’s international economy, and multilingual speakers frequently have an advantage in the labor market because they can connect with people in different languages.
  • Teaching in one’s native language is essential in education, particularly for young students. 
  • It helps students become fully engaged members of society, prevents knowledge gaps, and accelerates learning and comprehension. 
  • Additionally, UNESCO highlights the benefits of mother-tongue instruction for kids’ academic performance and attendance since it meets the demands of students from various language and cultural backgrounds.
  • Multilingualism fosters mutual understanding and respect among individuals, contributing to the preservation of the rich traditional legacy inherent in languages.
  • It also promotes knowledge and idea sharing, which helps us comprehend the world and its inhabitants on a more meaningful level.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

  • The term “language acquisition” describes the process by which people spontaneously pick up their mother tongue, or first language, at a very young age without receiving any official education. 
  • This natural talent stems from how our brains develop: babies and toddlers easily pick up the language through interactions with their surroundings and caregivers, quickly developing a sophisticated communication system.
  • On the other hand, acquiring a second language entails learning a language beyond the first, usually involving more deliberate effort and frequent formal instruction. 
  • Numerous factors, including age, motivation, exposure, and the linguistic similarity of the languages involved, might have an impact. 
  • SLA research occasionally mentions code-switching, the behavior of switching between two or more languages or dialects during speech, as a normal phenomenon in bilingual or multilingual cultures, which may aid in language acquisition. 
  • There is an innate connection between learning a language, learning a second language, and multilingualism. 
  • The underlying linguistic skills developed during the initial language acquisition process enable learning multiple languages. 
  • Therefore, a multilingual person has experienced language acquisition for their first language and has participated in second language acquisition (SLA) for their other languages.
  • Learning a second language due to transferable abilities and a deeper understanding of linguistic patterns might accelerate learning a third. 
  • Learning one’s first language provides these advantages for cognition and social interaction. 
  • Furthermore, one can improve competency in the second or additional languages in multilingual settings, where language use is dynamic, and code-switching is prevalent. 
  • These communities offer the environment necessary for consistent practice and naturalistic language exposure, both crucial elements of successful language learning. 

LEARNING TECHNIQUES

  • Being multilingual requires several methods and strategies, which vary in their applicability based on the learning preferences of the individual. 
  • The following comprehensive methods can assist in reaching multilingual proficiency:
  • Immersion in the language you want to learn occurs when you live or travel in a place where you are obliged to speak it in your daily interactions. 
  • Language classes are sometimes offered by educational institutions, universities, or schools; therefore, enroll in these classes to have a more in-depth learning experience about the languages you are interested in.
  • Apart from the schools, you can practice the languages by maximizing the use of online tools, including interactive courses, virtual instructors, and language learning software.
  • Assigning a native speaker to learn your language as a partner. Through mutual practice, both parties can advance their proficiency in the target language.
  • Practice regularly is crucial. Allocate a specific time each day for studying, writing, speaking practice, listening to the language, and reading.
  • To enhance exposure, read books, watch movies, and listen to music in the target language. This also helps to understand cultural quirks.
  • While it might be time-consuming, knowing a language’s grammatical structure is crucial. Apply the rules to your writing and speech by methodically studying them.
  • Learning about the culture associated with a language can contextualize and add interest to the process.

FAMOUS PEOPLE

NELSON MANDELA

The late South African President Nelson Mandela spoke Afrikaans, English, and several native African languages with ease.

POPE FRANCIS

He speaks Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, French, Portuguese, English, and Ukrainian as the head of the Catholic Church.

ZIAD FAZAH

With over 50 languages spoken fluently, Liberian-born Lebanese Ziad Fazah is the  Guinness World Record holder for speaking the most languages.

VIGGO MORTENSEN

The actor has communicated in various languages through his films and speaks Danish, French, Spanish, and English.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is fluent in Spanish, French, Russian, and English. These people serve as examples of the many diplomatic and cultural opportunities that come with multilingualism.

Multilingualism Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Multilingualism across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Multilingualism. Multilingualism includes speaking more than one language fluently on a personal level, as well as the custom of speaking different languages in a country or community.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Multilingualism Facts
  2. Writing Systems
  3. Famous Multilinguals
  4. Do We Have Subtitles?
  5. Odd Word Out
  6. Acquiring Languages
  7. Let the Flags Speak
  8. Learning Differently
  9. True or False?
  10. Planning Goals
  11. My Multilingual Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What is multilingualism in the context of ELA?

Multilingualism in ELA refers to the ability of individuals or communities to speak, read, and write in multiple languages. It involves proficiency and literacy in more than one language.

Why is multilingualism important in ELA education?

Multilingualism fosters cultural understanding, enhances cognitive abilities, and promotes inclusivity. It allows students to connect with diverse perspectives, texts, and authors, enriching their learning experience.

How does ELA curriculum accommodate multilingualism?

ELA curriculum can incorporate diverse texts written in various languages, provide support for language acquisition and literacy development, and promote language awareness and appreciation of linguistic diversity.

What challenges do multilingual learners face in ELA classrooms?

Multilingual learners may encounter difficulties in comprehending texts, expressing themselves effectively, and navigating language barriers. Educators need to provide appropriate support, such as bilingual resources and scaffolding strategies.

What strategies can ELA teachers employ to support multilingual learners?

ELA teachers can implement differentiated instruction, utilize bilingual materials, encourage peer collaboration, and foster a culturally responsive classroom environment. Additionally, promoting translanguaging, where students use their full linguistic repertoire, can enhance learning outcomes.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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