enspråklig

Enspråklig refers to a person who speaks or understands only one language. This is in contrast to bilingual individuals who speak two languages or multilingual individuals who speak more than two. The term can also be used to describe a situation, document, or environment where only one language is present or used.

In many parts of the world, particularly in countries with a strong national language, being enspråklig is quite common. However, in more diverse societies or border regions, bilingualism or multilingualism is more prevalent. The concept of enspråklighet is often discussed in contexts of language acquisition, education, and cultural identity.

While a person may be enspråklig in their early life, exposure to other languages through education, travel, or immigration can lead to the development of additional language skills. Conversely, a person who was once bilingual or multilingual might, over time and with lack of use, become effectively enspråklig in some of their languages. The definition itself is straightforward, but the social and personal implications can be complex.