1. Based on Proficiency and Balance
* Balanced Bilingualism: Individuals have near-native proficiency in both languages, with equal fluency and understanding in both. They switch between languages seamlessly and comfortably.
* Unbalanced Bilingualism: One language is dominant, with a higher level of proficiency than the other. This is the most common type.
* Dominant Bilingualism: One language is dominant, with a much higher proficiency level than the other.
* Semi-lingualism: This term is sometimes used to describe individuals who have limited proficiency in both languages. However, it's considered somewhat controversial and can be seen as stigmatizing.
2. Based on Acquisition
* Simultaneous Bilingualism: Two languages are learned from birth, often through exposure to both at home or in the immediate environment.
* Sequential Bilingualism: One language is learned first, followed by the second language later in life.
* Early Sequential Bilingualism: The second language is acquired during childhood, often before the age of 5.
* Late Sequential Bilingualism: The second language is acquired later in life, often during adolescence or adulthood.
3. Based on Context
* Additive Bilingualism: Learning a second language without losing proficiency in the first. It adds to the individual's linguistic repertoire.
* Subtractive Bilingualism: Acquiring a second language while experiencing a decrease in proficiency in the first language. This can happen when immersion in the second language is extensive and the first language is not actively maintained.
4. Other Distinctions
* Receptive Bilingualism: Understanding a language but having difficulty speaking it.
* Productive Bilingualism: Being able to speak a language but having difficulty understanding it.
* Compound Bilingualism: Two languages are learned and processed together, often resulting in the use of code-switching (switching between languages in the same conversation).
* Coordinate Bilingualism: Two languages are learned and processed separately, with distinct mental representations for each language.
Factors Influencing Bilingualism
The type of bilingualism someone develops depends on a variety of factors, including:
* Age of acquisition: The younger the age at which a second language is learned, the more likely it is to be balanced.
* Exposure and use: Frequent and consistent exposure to both languages is crucial for maintaining proficiency.
* Motivation: Strong motivation to learn and use both languages can contribute to higher proficiency.
* Social context: The social environment and opportunities for language use can influence the type of bilingualism that develops.
It's important to remember that these categories are not always mutually exclusive. Individuals can exhibit characteristics of multiple types of bilingualism.