![]() It is anticipated that all the features that hold for multilingualism do so too for bilingualism. Thus, multilingualism is considered first, as implying bilingualism, since in order to be a multilingual, one has to be exposed to at least one situation or experience of bilingualism. ![]() The term multilingualism as employed here cuts across those implied or asseverated in these reports. Numerous scientifically supported research activities inspired by the UNESCO and UNESCO policy orientation on the promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity have employed different perspectives and definitions for the concept of bilingualism and multilingualism. The two divides-individual and societal bilingualism/multilingualism-are linked by our discussion of how they can be a blessing to any democratic nation, ending in concluding remarks that cap the research findings. The second section handles benefits of “societal multilingualism,” i.e., the advantages of multilingualism for communities and the nation. The first on the “advantages of individual bilingualism/multilingualism” outlines such themes as cognitive development advantages of bilingualism the brain of bilinguals as a neurophysiological organ advantages for Alzheimer bilinguals linguistic awareness, benefits of communicative ability, and competence advantages in academic or educational performance sociocultural, economic, and political advantages etc. Our discussion is presented in two major sections. Thus, our focus is not only on identifying the different advantages (a thing already partially covered in many reports) but also in bringing out the different research techniques and methodologies that have been used in arriving at the different claims or justifications of advantages for these bilinguals or multilinguals. ![]() The chapter is thus largely a compendium of empirical evidence of the advantages of individual and societal bilingualism/multilingualism and linguistic diversity of nations as established by research findings in the last several decades from studies by linguists and scholars such as Byram, Baker et al. It explores the phenomenon of bilingualism and multilingualism, how it can be a “blessing” and not a “curse” at both levels of its manifestation. This chapter does not belabor the fact that bilingualism or multilingualism is more advantageous than monolingualism it rather appraises a range of multidimensional evidences that have been established from varied research findings, highlighting the benefits of bilingualism in individuals or plurilingualism and multilingualism in different societies. However, there is enough evidence that, globally, multilingualism is the norm and monolingualism the exception and the advantages of bilingualism and multilingualism need to be identified, exploited, and used for individual growth and national development. It is averred in some circles that linguistic diversity evidenced by multilingualism is a curse because of the challenges involved in building a pluralistic nation in the face of linguistic and cultural diversity. This chapter argues against the above ideology through a compendium of empirical evidence of advantages of individual bilingualism, societal multilingualism, and linguistic diversity of nations that emerge from research findings in the last several decades. Adepts of the ideology of monolingual habitus (one nation, one language) have tended to consider multilingualism and linguistic diversity as a curse and an obstacle to nation building. Beyond that, monolingualism seems more attractive, and monolinguals especially those speaking a language of wider communication seem quite content with their lot, often adopting a condescending attitude toward minority native speakers of a mother tongue who in addition have to acquire their language. In most instances, the only advantage recognized for the bilingual individual is the ability to use two or more languages. Bilingualism and multilingualism are often perceived and considered as a problem or a major challenge to individual and/or societal development.
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