A COURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN

MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES
III. ABSTRACT
At this point, it must be clear to you that linguistic diversity is inherent in any
society. Not everyone, though, accepts such reality. Many researchers still lobby for the
elimination of multilingualism and linguistic diversity as they are deemed “unnecessary, messy,
costly, and inefficient” (Phillipson and Skutnabb- kangas,2009, p.32).
Look for studies or researches that would argue against “multilingualism and
linguistic diversity.” Write at least two arguments and prepare to share with the class. Make sure
to cite your sources properly.

Briefly state your main Provide your explanation here.

argument here. ( Cite your source.)
(What is the handle of
your argument?)

Argument 1 This term, by broad definition, is the use of two or more languages,
The multilingualism is either by an individual speaker or by a community of speakers. Even
both problem and though there have appeared countless studies and debates along with
resource according to the prevalence of multilingualism, it is often agreed that
(Paulston and Tucker, multilingualism can be both a problem and a resource. Overall,
2003, p301). In the multilingualism is considerably more of a resource than a problem
modern world, at the individual level because multilingual speakers greatly benefit
multilingualism is a from it. At the same time, multilingualism today serves as both a
common phenomenon. In challenge and a potent asset for society. Despite these
fact, the number of inconsistencies, both on a micro and macro level, multilingualism is
bilingual or multilingual an intriguing and thought-provoking phenomenon that merits
individuals in the world is additional in-depth inquiry and study in order to maximize
greater than the number inventiveness while minimizing issues.
of monolingual
individuals. People living Alex, tutorhunt, Language in Society- Multilingualism as both a
in multilingual societies problem and a resouce, March 12, 2016
who are not monolingual https://www.tutorhunt.com/resource/19445/
are, daily, faced with the
question of which
language to use
(Coulmas, 2013, p123).
Such consideration is
known to not only hinder
social interaction but also
cause social distress.
Another challenge
multilinguals encounter is
 individual language loss.

Argument 2
In India, multilingualism
and language diversity are
typical. Although studies
have linked bilingualism
to cognitive benefits,
linguistic diversity hasn't
yet been considered as a
factor that can affect
cognitive abilities. This
study aims to fill this gap
by investigating the
effects of sociolinguistic
diversity and
multilingualism on
cognitive skills, as
measured by the n-back
and Raven's Colored
Progressive Matrices
tasks, in a large cohort of
socioeconomically
disadvantaged primary
school students in two
urban sites of India, Delhi
and Hyderabad.
In accordance with whether they were raised speaking one or more
languages at home, children were categorized as either monolingual
or bilingual. On the n-back task and the Raven's task, which
measure cognitive performance, bilinguals outperformed
monolinguals. Furthermore, for kids who are not themselves
multilingual, growing up in a culturally and linguistically varied
environment seems to improve cognitive function. And finally, it
was discovered that a number of contextual variables, including the
city, had an impact on cognitive function. This demonstrates that
bilingualism and linguistic diversity can improve children's
cognitive performance in underprivileged situations and that
cognitive tasks are subject to contextual effects.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
339884311_Linguistic_Diversity_Multilingualism_and_Cognitive_
Skills_A_Study_of_Disadvantaged_Children_in_India

A COURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN

MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES
Multilingualism is considered as a RULE or a “common phenomenon”. What do you think
prompts or
drives people to become multilinguals?
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What does a multilingual mean to you at this point?
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A COURSE MODULE FOR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS AND POLICIES IN
MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES
Multilingualism is considered as a RULE or a “common phenomenon”. What do you think
prompts or
drives people to become multilinguals?
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
What does a multilingual mean to you at this point?
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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