pro-multilingualism
|pro-mul-ti-lin-gual-ism|
🇺🇸
/proʊˌmʌltiˈlɪŋɡwəlɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/prəʊˌmʌltiˈlɪŋɡwəlɪzəm/
support for multiple languages
Etymology
'pro-multilingualism' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro' meaning 'for' or 'in favor of') joined to 'multilingualism' (from 'multi-' + 'lingua' + suffix '-ism').
'multilingualism' developed from Latin roots 'multi-' ('many') + 'lingua' ('tongue, language'); via French formations (e.g. 'multilingue' / 'multilinguisme') it entered Modern English as 'multilingual' and then 'multilingualism'. The prefix 'pro-' was attached in Modern English to indicate support, producing 'pro-multilingualism'.
Initially the components meant 'for' (pro-) and 'many tongues' (multilingual-); over time the compounded modern term came to mean a social or political stance of supporting the use and institutional recognition of multiple languages.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the stance, policy, or ideology of supporting and encouraging the use and recognition of multiple languages within a society, institution, or context.
Her pro-multilingualism stance influenced the city's language-education policies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
adjectival form of 'pro-multilingualism'; describing policies, positions, or actions that favor multilingualism.
The school adopted a pro-multilingual policy for classroom instruction.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
adverbial form of 'pro-multilingualism'; in a manner that supports or promotes multilingualism.
The organization campaigned pro-multilingually across regions to promote native-language education.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/31 01:14