Chapter 12: Bilingualism

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on definitions and key concepts from Chapter 12 regarding bilingual acquisition, heritage languages, and code-switching.

Bilingualism

The ability to use two languages; a bilingual person can hold conversations with monolingual speakers of two different languages.

Simultaneous bilingualism

Happens when a person acquires two languages from birth.

Sequential bilingualism

Happens when a person acquires one language first and another language later.

Early bilingualism

Happens when the second language is acquired before about age 7.

Late bilingualism

Happens when the second language is acquired after about age 7.

Heritage speaker

Someone who learns a language at home that is different from the dominant language of the society.

Heritage language

A language usually learned naturally at home or in an immigrant community that is often connected to family, culture, and identity.

Code-switching

The rule-governed use of two languages in the same sentence or conversation, often showing strong bilingual ability.

Cognitive flexibility

A cognitive benefit supported by growing up bilingual, contradicting the myth that learning two languages confuses children.

Sound discrimination

One of the benefits of bilingualism relating to the ability to distinguish between different sounds.

Cognitive decline protection

A possible long-term benefit of bilingualism providing protection later in life.