Dimensions and measurement of bilinguality and bilingualism

Abstract

In this chapter first we define the relevant dimensions of bilinguality and bilingualism on the basis of the empirical evidence available in these fields. In the second part we enumerate the main different measures developed in order to try to quantify the relevant concepts. DIMENSIONS OF BILINGUALITY AND BILINGUALISM When qualifiers are used to describe bilingualism or bilinguality, they generally focus on one single dimension of these phenomena which are thereby viewed from a particular angle. If we use some of the classifications put forward by researchers it is because they seem to us to be relevant to the dimension under study; however, we must not lose sight of the fact that bilinguality and bilingualism are multidimensional phenomena which must be investigated as such. In the past, failure to take into account simultaneously other dimensions in addition to linguistic ones has all too often led to incomplete or erroneous interpretations of these phenomena. Dimensions of bilinguality In Chapter 1 we made a distinction between bilingualism and bilinguality. We view bilinguality as the psychological state of an individual who has access to more than one linguistic code as a means of social communication. This access is multidimensional as it varies along a number of psychological and sociological dimensions. We have found the following dimensions relevant: (1) relative competence; (2) cognitive organisation; (3) age of acquisition; (4) exogeneity; (5) social cultural status; and (6) cultural identity.