Ορισμός και Σημασία του "mutual intelligibility"

What is "mutual intelligibility"?

Mutual intelligibility refers to the ability of speakers of different but closely related languages or dialects to understand each other without needing to learn the other language. This happens because the languages or dialects share many similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. While the speakers may notice differences, these are not significant enough to prevent communication. Mutual intelligibility shows how languages or dialects can be related, making communication across linguistic boundaries easier for those who speak them.