5 MYTHS ABOUT BILINGUALISM | Let's get things straight!

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses common myths about bilingualism, emphasizing that bilingualism is not rare and can be achieved at any age, regardless of native fluency. They debunk misconceptions about accents and language mixing, explaining that while children might mix languages initially, they eventually learn to separate them. The speaker also clarifies that code-switching is not a sign of poor bilingualism but a natural part of being multilingual. The video aims to clarify misinformation and provide a better understanding of bilingualism.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Bilingualism is not a rare phenomenon; about 50% of the world population speaks more than one language, contrary to common myths.
• 👶 Bilingualism is not only possible from birth; people can become bilingual by learning additional languages later in life, as demonstrated by the example of Joseph Conrad.
• 🗣️ Bilinguals may have accents in their languages, dispelling the myth that true bilinguals speak without any accent in both languages.
• 👶🌐 Children learning two languages may initially mix them, but as they grow and become more proficient, they typically separate the languages and stop mixing them.
• 🔄 Code-switching or code-mixing is not a sign of poor bilingualism; it can be a natural part of bilingual speech, especially when words from one language better convey the intended message.
• 🤔 Bilinguals are selective in their language mixing, doing so only when communicating with those who understand both languages, ensuring effective communication.
• 📚 The video aims to clarify misconceptions about bilingualism and provide a better understanding of what it means to be bilingual.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes that bilingualism can be a part of everyday life for many people, regardless of their level of fluency or accent.
• 🌍 The speaker highlights that bilingualism is common in many countries, such as India and South Africa, and not just in Western countries.
• 👥 Bilingualism is defined broadly in the video, including people who speak two or more languages in their daily lives, even if they are not perfectly fluent.
• 📖 The video script is educational, aiming to inform viewers about the realities of bilingualism and challenge common myths.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is to debunk common myths about bilingualism.

What does the speaker define as bilingualism?

The speaker defines bilingualism as the ability to speak two or more languages in everyday life, regardless of fluency or accent.

Why does the speaker believe that bilingualism is not a rare phenomenon?

The speaker believes bilingualism is not rare because many countries around the world, such as India and South Africa, have people who grow up speaking multiple languages.

What is the estimated percentage of the world population that speaks more than one language according to research papers mentioned in the video?

According to research papers mentioned in the video, it is estimated that about 50% of the world population speaks more than one language.

What is the myth about bilingualism being only possible since birth, and why is it considered untrue?

The myth is that bilingualism is only possible if one has learned two or more languages since birth. It is considered untrue because people can become bilingual by learning languages later in life, as exemplified by the speaker's own experience with English and Joseph Conrad's learning of English in his 20s.

Why do some people believe that real bilinguals don't have an accent when speaking their languages?

Some people might believe that real bilinguals don't have an accent because they expect fluent language use without any influence from other languages. However, the speaker points out that even native bilinguals can have accents when speaking their languages.

What does the speaker say about language mixing in child bilingualism?

The speaker explains that language mixing is a common occurrence in early stages of bilingualism among children, but as they grow up and become more proficient, they usually separate the languages and stop mixing them.

Why does the speaker think that code mixing or code switching is not a sign of bad bilingualism?

The speaker believes that code mixing or code switching is not a sign of bad bilingualism because it can be a natural part of bilingual communication, especially when it helps to convey an idea more accurately.

What is the speaker's view on bilinguals mixing languages when speaking to someone who doesn't understand both languages?

The speaker states that bilinguals will not mix languages when speaking to someone who doesn't understand both languages, as it would hinder communication.

What does the speaker suggest about the ability of bilinguals to control their language use?

The speaker suggests that bilinguals have the ability to control their language use and differentiate between their languages, as there are no reports of bilinguals being unable to do so.

What is the speaker's native language, and which language did they learn later in life?

The speaker's native languages are Portuguese and French, and they learned English later in life.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Debunking Myths on Bilingualism

The speaker begins by introducing the topic of bilingualism and aims to dispel common misconceptions about it. They define bilingualism as the ability to speak two or more languages in everyday life, regardless of fluency or accent. The first myth addressed is the rarity of bilingualism, which the speaker refutes by citing examples of multilingual countries and research indicating that about half the world's population is bilingual. The second myth is that bilingualism is only possible from birth, which the speaker disproves by sharing personal experiences and historical examples, such as Joseph Conrad learning English in his 20s. The third myth discussed is the belief that bilinguals do not have accents, which the speaker counters with personal anecdotes about their own bilingual experiences. The fourth myth is the idea that learning two languages simultaneously leads to language mixing, which the speaker explains is a temporary phase in early bilingual development. Lastly, the speaker tackles the misconception that code-switching or code-mixing is a sign of poor bilingualism, arguing that it is a natural part of bilingual communication when done with appropriate context and audience.

05:01

👋 Sign Off and Upcoming Video Tease

The speaker concludes the video by summarizing the main points discussed and inviting viewers to engage with the content through likes, subscriptions, and comments. They also hint at the next week's video, creating anticipation for continued viewership. The sign-off is casual and friendly, with a reminder of the music that has been playing throughout the video, indicating a light-hearted and enjoyable viewing experience.

Keywords

💡Bilingualism

Bilingualism refers to the ability of an individual to use two or more languages with varying degrees of proficiency. In the video, it's emphasized that bilingualism is not a rare phenomenon and is common in many countries around the world. The speaker clarifies that bilingualism is not limited to those who have learned multiple languages from birth, but can also be achieved later in life, as exemplified by the speaker's own experience with English and the historical case of Joseph Conrad.

💡Myths

The term 'myths' in this context refers to commonly held but false beliefs about bilingualism. The video aims to debunk several myths, such as the rarity of bilingualism, the necessity of learning multiple languages from birth, and the idea that bilinguals do not have accents. These myths are directly addressed and refuted throughout the script to provide a clearer understanding of what bilingualism entails.

💡Accent

An accent is a distinctive way of pronouncing a language, often associated with a particular country or region. The video script uses the concept of an accent to challenge the myth that bilinguals do not have accents in their languages. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about having a French accent when speaking Portuguese and an English accent when speaking English, demonstrating that accents are common even among bilinguals.

💡Code-switching

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages in the context of a single conversation. In the video, it is discussed as a common behavior among bilinguals, which is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a sign of poor bilingualism. The speaker argues that code-switching can actually be a sign of linguistic flexibility and is not inherently negative, as long as it does not impede communication.

💡Language Mixing

Language mixing refers to the blending of elements from two or more languages in speech or writing. The video addresses the myth that learning two languages at once will inevitably lead to language mixing. The speaker explains that while young bilingual children may initially mix languages as they are still learning, they typically develop the ability to separate the languages as they grow older and become more proficient.

💡Native Bilingual

A native bilingual is someone who has been exposed to and speaks two languages fluently from an early age, often as a result of being raised in a bilingual environment. The video script mentions the speaker's status as a native bilingual in Portuguese and French, highlighting the fact that even native bilinguals can have accents when speaking one of their languages to speakers of another language.

💡Non-native Bilingual

A non-native bilingual is an individual who has learned a second language after their first language, often later in life. The video uses the speaker's experience learning English as an example of becoming a non-native bilingual. This concept is important in the video as it challenges the myth that bilingualism is only possible from birth.

💡Fluency

Fluency in language refers to the ability to speak a language smoothly and with relative ease. The video script clarifies that bilingualism does not require perfect fluency in the languages spoken, nor does it preclude the possibility of having an accent. The speaker's own experiences with English demonstrate that fluency can be achieved even if one's language skills are not flawless.

💡Misinformation

Misinformation refers to incorrect or misleading information. The video aims to clarify misconceptions about bilingualism that are widespread due to misinformation. By addressing common myths, the speaker seeks to provide accurate information and correct misunderstandings about what it means to be bilingual.

💡Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is the level of competence a person has in a language. The video script emphasizes that bilingualism encompasses a range of language proficiencies, from native-like fluency to more basic conversational abilities. The speaker's discussion of their own language skills illustrates that bilingualism is not about achieving perfect mastery but about the ability to use multiple languages in daily life.

Highlights

Introduction to a video on bilingualism aiming to clarify misconceptions.

Definition of bilingualism as speaking two or more languages in everyday life, regardless of fluency or accent.

Myth debunking: Bilingualism is not a rare phenomenon, with an estimated 50% of the world population being bilingual.

Common myth that bilingualism is only possible from birth is challenged.

Example given of learning English as an adult and still achieving bilingual proficiency.

Myth that bilinguals do not have an accent in their languages is refuted.

Personal example of having a French accent when speaking Portuguese and an English accent in English.

Exploration of the myth that learning two languages simultaneously leads to language mixing.

Clarification that language mixing is a temporary phase in early bilingual development.

Discussion on the myth that code-switching is a sign of poor bilingualism.

Personal perspective that code-switching can enhance communication when done appropriately.

Emphasis on the importance of context in bilinguals' language mixing and the need for understanding by the listener.

Final myth addressed: Bilinguals cannot differentiate between their languages if they mix them.

Assurance that bilinguals can control their language use and there are no reports of inability to differentiate languages.

Conclusion of the video with an invitation for likes, subscriptions, and comments from the viewers.

Sign-off with a promise to see viewers in the next video.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello you guys today I'm going to do

another video related to bilingualism

and I hope you liked it if you haven't

watched my first video on bilingualism

where I talk about my definition of

bilingualism then what are you waiting

for

chop-chop come on if this is the first

video you watch of me you're going to

think I'm greedy so if you've seen the

title of the video you might have

guessed that I'm going to talk about

myths on bilingualism today because it's

so much misinformation on the topic that

I thought that today would kind of try

to clarify the entire situation corny

linguistic man okay that was not

actually the funny sorry

something I'd like to clarify for the

purpose of this video and to avoid

ambiguity is that bilingualism I mean

people that speak two or more languages

in their everyday lives and it doesn't

matter if they're not perfectly fluent

in these languages or if they might have

an accent or if they haven't learnt it

from birth one of the most common myths

on bilingualism is that bilingualism is

a rare phenomenon and it's simply not

true there are so many countries around

the world such as India or South Africa

where people grow up speaking many

languages it's only in Western countries

such as the US from Portugal Spain etc

etc that people tend to only speak one

language

generally speaking research papers on

bilingualism estimated are about 50% of

the world population speaks more than

one language so it's not that rare after

all

another myth that's very common is that

bilingualism is only possible if you've

learnt your two or more languages since

birth so basically if you're two or more

languages or your native languages I

suppose for this myth it kind of depends

on how you're designed bilingualism but

if you take my definition of

bilingualism that I explained at the

beginning of the video then this myth is

untrue I mean for example me I clearly

unbaling well in English because I speak

it almost well every day actually and I

have been for over three years and how

about the polish author Joseph Conrad

who only learned English when he was in

his 20s and wrote one of the most

his books ever part of darkness the

third myth I'd like to talk about is the

fact that some people think that real

bilinguals don't have an accent when

they're speaking their two languages

well me for example and I'm not trying

to make the video about me

it's just that I'm the only example I

can think of I'm technically two kinds

of bilingual

I'm a native bilingual because I speak

Portuguese and French natively and when

I speak Portuguese - Portuguese people

they often notice a French accent I

speak to them nothing vague though they

kind of they can say like you know the

native speakers so whoever sounds a bit

different they will know and I'm also a

non-native bilingual in that I've

learned English when I was older and I

clearly have an accent honesty English

as you might be able to tell so yeah

wrong

the fourth one I'd like to talk about

and it has to do more with child

bilingualism is that some people think

that learning two languages at the same

time will lead to language mixing this

myth is not exactly wrong but it's not

true either let me explain

I think this myth comes from the idea

that bilingual children when they're

very young they tend to mix the

languages because they're still learning

so maybe I do early stages of

bilingualism they will mix up the

languages they will not be able to tell

the difference between English and

French for example but eventually as

they grow up and as they get more

proficient in the two languages they

will end up separating the two languages

and they won't mix them anymore

I mean clearly I'm not speaking

Portuguese or French to you right now am

I the last mess I'd like to talk about

in this video is the fact that some

people think that code mixing of code

switching is a sign of bad bilingualism

code switching of code mixing is

basically when a bilingual will mix

their languages so for example if I said

you work with oxidant I recognise any at

six o'clock then I've mixed three

languages in one sentence personally I

don't think it's a bad thing at all I'm

sure you will agree with me sure

bilingual but in my case I sometimes mix

languages when for example if I start my

sentence in English and then there's

this word in French that exactly

reflects what I'm trying to say then I

will want to use it in my English

sentence because it just like translates

my idea better I mean of course if the

person I'm talking to doesn't speak

then I'm not going to speak French to

them otherwise like they want understand

me so that would just be stupid so it's

important to specify that bilinguals

will not mix languages if they talk to

people that don't attend the two or more

languages because otherwise

communication won't happen so I would

say that generally speaking it would

only be bad if the bilingual could not

control the way he or she makes their

languages and that I know of no one has

ever done that so it hasn't been

reported that I've been lingual cannot

differentiate between their two

languages oh yeah that's it for the

weekly video I hope you enjoyed it and

if you enjoyed the video then please

feel free to like it to subscribe to my

channel to like my Facebook page and

maybe drop a comment if you want and

I'll see you next week bye

[Music]

you

[Music]