Aspects and Dimensions of Bilingualism and Multilingualism in Europe

Abstract

This chapter aims to explore certain aspects and dimensions of bilingualism and multilin- gualism, with a focus on Europe. The issues analyzed are the following: languages com- ing into contact due to conquest or colonization, bilingualism and multilingualism as a reflection of political trends and contemporary lifestyles, official languages, and heritage languages. The field of language education is also treated, when it comes to the ben- efits of being bilingual and multilingual, which are also analyzed from the perspective of evolutionary psychology, with the claim that knowledge of several languages ensures survival and better living conditions. The conclusions are that bilingualism and multi- lingualism are a necessity and an inevitable phenomenon in today’s Europe, especially due to migration and due to the need of adapting to and accepting other cultures. What is more, there is a universality of bilingualism and multilingualism throughout history.