plurilingualism

Plurilingualism is the ability to use a repertoire of languages and other linguistic resources flexibly and effectively in communication and learning. It treats all languages a person knows as part of a dynamic system rather than as separate, isolated codes. A plurilingual individual draws on their entire linguistic repertoire to suit a given communicative purpose, genre, and social context, switching or mixing languages as needed while maintaining communicative goals.

Originating in European language policy and education circles, the term is widely used by the Council of Europe and in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It contrasts with traditional notions of multilingualism that emphasize the existence of several languages as distinct entities. Plurilingualism foregrounds the interdependence of languages, cross-linguistic transfer, and the social and cognitive competencies involved in using languages in real situations.

Core features include interconnected language resources, lifelong and context-dependent learning, and the natural use of phenomena such as code-switching and translanguaging. Plurilingual competence also encompasses intercultural awareness, pragmatic language use, and the ability to manage languages across different domains. Metalinguistic reflection and strategic language planning are often part of its development.

In education, plurilingual approaches aim to cultivate the entire linguistic repertoire through pedagogies that leverage transfer, meaning negotiation, and intercomprehension across languages. Such approaches support inclusive practices for multilingual learners and align with broader translingual and intercultural aims in language teaching and assessment.

Debates around plurilingualism emphasize its relevance to everyday communication and social inclusion, while critics discuss potential ambiguities in boundaries between languages and implications for assessment. Research continues to explore how plurilingual repertoires form and function in schooling, work, and community life.