Diglossia and Bilingualism in the European Students’ Society

Abstract

The article highlights the nature of bilingualism and diglossia as they exist in Europe in the students’ society today as a result of language variation. The problem of bilingualism and diglossia among students within Europe, depicted in the paper, will help us to understand the use of language variations in education. It could also inform teachers and other concerned bodies about the impacts of using language variations on the students’ learning and achievements. Still the article is significant in that it can help us to take informed decision on the use and impacts of language variations which result in bilingualism and diglossia in education. The author claims that, in some cases, bilingualism (in reference to a whole community) and diglossia are interchangeable terms. However, in most cases, an individual will be bilingual, while a community may experience diglossia. It is also stated that bilingual students have a dual linguistic competence. This, however, is not always equally precise, i.e. it is more complex and comprehensive in the case of the first language than in the other one. Bilingualism and diglossia in Europe imply and ensure unlimited advantages for students. The ability of choosing any particular language in a particular communication situation and to identify causes of language acquisition of non-state language should be an important position of every student.