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Interesting that most of the discussion here makes bilingualism seem like the pinnacle of achievement.

But I guess I belittle bilingualism because I am fluent in two languages and strive for three or four.




I'm fluent in four, but the vast majority of people in the US appear to speak only one. The case is similar in Germany, France and Spain, at least from my experience. As such, bilingualism is not a pinnacle of achievement (is anything ever a pinnacle of achievement) but rather a recognition that ANY other language has value of this kind. Once you get past "I can do just fine with one." you can go as far as you like. But the step from one to two seems to be the critical one.


Yes, I agree.

Most young people in Germany seem to be able to speak at least some English. Almost all university students do. Bilingualism is prevalent in countries that have a first language other than English, since everyone accept that learning English is necessary.

(Disclaimer: I was born in Germany.)


It is a big step up from just speaking one. :-)

(working on my fourth)




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