Alecu Russo Balti State University

Multilingualism

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course

Multi-disciplinary approach to human communication and language

Pavlov Doina
Group DE14M

November 30, 2016

One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the
way.(Frank Smith)
Knowing more than one language can be considered a great opportunity for our
future life. As we live in a multilingual world we should be able to learn and to
understand not only one language. Many people use the word multilingualism but what
exactly is meant by it? The term multilingualism is derived from two Latin words
namely multi that means many and lingua that means language.[1]Multilingualism is
the ability of an individual speaker or a community of speakers to communicate
efficiently in more languages during their daily life.[2]
Multilingualism arises when languages get into contact, this process has a long
and rich history, and by the way we can remark that is not a new phenomenon.We can
notice manyfactors that have contributed to its spread in the last years. One of the most
important factors is globalization and the spread of new technologies. Another factor is
migration, trade and the media as it has become much easier to get in touch with other
people, cultures and, of course, languages. The last factor is the spread of English as a
language of international communication. There's no doubt that multilingualism has
important implications for communication, identity, social and cultural integration,
development and education. Multilingualism is seen nowadays as a positive asset for
individuals and societies.
There are various good reasons for us if we know more than one language:

It can help us to progress in our career;

We can gain knowledge about other cultures;
Moreover, while knowing more than one

language

we

increase

our

understanding and knowledge of our own language. [3]

Nowadays its very difficult to find a good job or to get any promotion if you know
only your native language. In our fast-moving world its necessary to know at least one
foreign language. But lets us speak about my own case: I began to learn my second
language from the II form at school. At the beginning it was like a joke: I learned some
words at school, but by the time I arrived home I forgot them. Step by step I understood
that I need a good mark, because in this way think all the pupils. It was very difficult for
me to learn French, but I made efforts to achieve good results. I realized that I want to
have a better life, where I would have a good salary which will allow me to travel, to
learn more about other cultures, and to discover majestic places which cover our world.

I believe that being in such a multilingual world from young is great in mastering
languages, however, it can also be quite challenging for young children regarding their
identity formation. That is, learning language can have a great impact on one's
understanding of his/her own identity and of others. Multilingualism enriches the
individual, promotes understanding among all citizens from different countries, and also
offers many advantages like better pay, job flexibility, cognitive development and skills
development. [4]
In conclusion I would like to mention that I am really happy and fortunate
because I know not only one language but four languages. Nowadays, knowing many
languages means to be brave and to be rich. I said rich, from two points of view
having money and having a higher level of intelligence. So, do not be afraid of opening
a new door in your life, a new chance that is given to you. Try to be different from the
crowd. I personally believe that one person can only succeed in life if he/she expresses
himself in a language that the others understand. I am proud that I know more than one
language and I did not stop only at my native language. So, I encourage all people to
learn more languages, as it is very useful in our multilingual world.
References:
[1] H. Bussmann, Routledge Dictionary of Language and linguistics, Route ledge,
London, 1996.
[2] M. Juan-Garau and J. Salazar-Noguera, Content-based Language Learning in
Multilingual Educational Environment, New York Dordrecht London, pp.14-15.
[3]http://www.scholaradvisor.com/essay-examples/argumentative-essay-importantlanguage/
[4] http://work.chron.com/benefits-multilingualism-workplace-6178.html
[5] Aronoff, M. and Janie Rees-Miller (eds.) Multilingualism. The Handbook of
Linguistics. 2003. Blackwell Publishers 21