Understanding Bilingualism and Language Contact
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The Phenomenon of Bilingualism: Languages in Contact
The coexistence of two languages in the same area may give rise to two linguistic phenomena: bilingualism and diglossia.
Diglossia
Diglossia is a cultural anthropological phenomenon in which a language with more social and political prestige dominates another language with which it coexists. Its uses are unbalanced, and the second language, restricted to family communication and colloquial situations, is in danger of being lost.
Traits that Define Diglossia:
- Function and Prestige: One language holds higher social prestige and is used in formal settings.
- Acquisition: Language A is learned and perfected in school, while language B is primarily acquired at home.
- Literary Legacy: Scholarly literature