Bimodalbilingual

Bimodalbilingual refers to an individual who is proficient in two sign languages or one sign language and one spoken language. This term highlights the modality of communication, distinguishing it from unimodalbilingualism, which involves proficiency in two spoken languages or two written languages. A person can be considered bimodalbilingual if they regularly use and understand both sign language and a spoken language, or if they have command over two distinct sign languages.

The development of bimodalbilingualism often occurs when individuals grow up in environments where both sign language and spoken language are present. For instance, a Deaf child of hearing parents might learn a spoken language from their parents and a sign language from Deaf peers or community members. Similarly, a hearing child of Deaf parents may acquire a sign language at home and a spoken language through schooling or wider societal interaction.

The cognitive and linguistic benefits associated with unimodal bilingualism are also observed in bimodalbilingual individuals. These can include enhanced metalinguistic awareness, improved problem-solving skills, and greater cognitive flexibility. Understanding bimodalbilingualism is crucial for educational and social policies that aim to support diverse linguistic needs within both Deaf and hearing communities. It emphasizes the validity and richness of sign languages as complete linguistic systems.