Am I Bilingual? Take the Bilingualism Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between examining bilingualism as an individual possession and as a social group possession?

Examining bilingualism as an individual possession focuses on an individual's ability to speak two languages, while examining it as a social group possession focuses on the use and maintenance of two languages within a community.

What is the fifth area of language competence?

Inner speech.

How can attitudes towards a minority language affect language maintenance in society?

Negative attitudes towards a minority language can lead to language shift or death in society, while positive attitudes can lead to language maintenance and restoration.

Why are minimal and maximal definitions of bilingualism problematic?

Because they oversimplify the complexity of bilingual ability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential distinction between language ability and language use in bilingualism?

Language ability refers to an individual's knowledge and understanding of a language, while language use refers to their actual use of it in communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the purpose of categorizing bilinguals?

The categorization of bilinguals depends on the purpose, and different purposes may require different categorizations. Signup and view all the answers

What are some terms used in bilingualism to describe language proficiency and skills?

Some terms used in bilingualism include language ability, achievement, competence, performance, proficiency, and skills. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of balanced bilinguals?

They have well-developed competences in both languages, and use their two languages for different purposes and with different people. Signup and view all the answers

Is balanced bilingualism an idealized concept?

Yes, sometimes balanced bilingualism is used as an idealized concept. Signup and view all the answers

How can bilinguals be classified according to their age, language ability, and language balance?

Bilinguals can be classified by age (early, late, or simultaneous acquisition), language ability (balanced or unbalanced), and language balance (dominant or non-dominant). Signup and view all the answers

Does the balance necessarily imply high competence in the two languages?

No, the balance may exist at a low level of competence in the two languages. Signup and view all the answers

What is circumstantial bilingualism?

Circumstantial bilingualism refers to learning a language out of necessity or survival, rather than by choice. Signup and view all the answers

What level of competence is often implied by balanced bilingualism?

Reasonable or appropriate competence in both languages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk for the first language of circumstantial bilinguals?

The first language of circumstantial bilinguals is at risk of being replaced by the second language they learn for survival. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does bilingualism affect society?

Bilingualism can affect education, politics, employment, and communicative needs of the society. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of balanced bilingualism as a term?

It oversimplifies the complexity of bilingual ability, and may not accurately reflect the actual language situation of bilingual individuals. Signup and view all the answers

How do elective bilinguals differ from circumstantial bilinguals?

Elective bilinguals choose to learn a language, while circumstantial bilinguals learn another language out of necessity or survival. Signup and view all the answers

Why is bilingual ability multidimensional?

Because it involves different aspects of language use and competence, such as proficiency, dominance, context, and attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the sixth dimension of bilingualism?

The sixth dimension of bilingualism is circumstantial and elective bilingualism, which distinguishes between those who learn a language out of necessity and those who choose to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What is the value of balanced bilingualism as a term?

It provides a common ground for discussing bilingual ability, and highlights the importance of developing competence in both languages. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bilingualism is not as simple as having two languages like having two wheels or two eyes.
Bilingualism can be examined as an individual possession or as a social group possession.
The attitudes of individuals towards a particular minority language may affect language maintenance, restoration, shift, or death in society.
The essential distinction is between language ability and language use.
There is a range of terms used in bilingualism, such as language ability, achievement, competence, performance, proficiency, and skills.
Bilinguals can be classified by age, ability, balance of two languages, development, and contexts where each language is acquired and used.
There is a sixth dimension of bilingualism: circumstantial and elective bilingualism.
Elective bilinguals choose to learn a language, while circumstantial bilinguals learn another language to survive.
The first language of circumstantial bilinguals is in danger of being replaced by the second language.
Bilingualism affects education, politics, employment, and communicative needs of the society.

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Description

Test your knowledge on bilingualism with this informative quiz! Explore the different dimensions of bilingualism, including language ability, age, context, and attitudes. Learn about the impact of bilingualism on society, education, politics, employment, and more. This quiz will challenge your understanding of what it means to be bilingual and expand your knowledge on this fascinating topic.