Bilingual
bi: two
lingua: language

Definition  | Speaking two languages.
Coined  | 1830s

Bilingual means speaking two languages, although in discussions of public education, the term "bilingual education" takes on a contrary meaning. In Europe, the Far East, and many other countries, children are routinely taught foreign languages. The aim is to make them fluent in at least two languages. In countries having a history of colonialism (such as India), children would grow up speaking one or more native languages. In school, however, they would learn the nation's official language, and all classes would be given in that language.