Monolingve

Monolingve is a term that appears inconsistently in informal writing and is not widely recognized in major dictionaries. In standard linguistic usage, the condition of using a single language is described as monolingualism, and a person who uses only one language is called a monolingual.

Etymology and usage: The form seems to be a portmanteau of mono- and lingue/lingua, but its spelling varies and there is no agreed-upon definition. Some writers may treat “monolingve” as a misspelling of “monolingual” or as a francophone-derived variant such as “monolingue.” Because it is not standardized, its meaning can be unclear or context-dependent.

Relationship to related terms: Monolingual is the conventional English term for someone who knows only one language. Monolingue is a cognate in French. The supposed term “monolingve” should be considered nonstandard and is rarely used in authoritative linguistic works. In contrast, bilingual, multilingual, and related concepts describe individuals who use two or more languages.

Implications and context: Being monolingual can arise from education, migration history, or language policy, and it may shape access to information, employment, and social networks. Attitudes toward monolingual speakers vary by region and culture, with both advantages in cultural cohesion and challenges in global communication.

See also: Monolingual, Monolingualism, Bilingualism, Multilingualism, Language policy.

Note: Given its lack of standard status, readers should consult established linguistic terminology when writing or researching about language use.