Definition & Meaning of "bilingual"

Who is a "bilingual"?

Bilingual refers to an individual who can use and understand two languages fluently. Bilingualism can occur in various ways, such as learning both languages from an early age, known as simultaneous bilingualism, or acquiring one language after the other, called sequential bilingualism. Bilingual individuals often navigate between languages depending on the context, such as speaking one language at home and another at school or work. Being bilingual offers cognitive benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and enhanced memory, as well as social advantages, including better communication in diverse environments and a deeper understanding of different cultures.