monolingale

Monolingale is a term used in linguistic discussions to describe a person, community, or policy centered on the use of a single language. The word is built from mono- meaning one and lingua meaning language, with the feminine Italian-form ending -ale used in some Italian-language contexts to agree with nouns such as “persona” or “società.” In practice, a monolingale is typically understood as someone who uses only one language in most daily interactions, education, and official settings, though individuals may still have passive knowledge of other languages.

The term is largely encountered in Italian-language scholarship and public discourse, and it is often used in discussions of language policy, education, and identity. It is distinct from bilingual and multilingual concepts, which describe the presence and use of two or more languages. A monolingale speaker may rely on a single language for communication at home, work, and public life, while occasionally encountering other languages in media or travel.

Critics note that labeling someone as monolingale can oversimplify real-world language practices, as many people use forms of limited bilingualism or diglossic repertoires that are not captured by a single label. The term may also intersect with debates about language rights, cultural preservation, and social integration.

See also: Monolingualism, bilingualism, multilingualism.