Is Multilingualism a Problem? The Effects of Multilingualism at the Societal Level

Abstract

This research paper aims at illuminating some of the effects that multilingualism and linguistic diversity might have at the societal level with regard to various attributes of social life. In doing so, a thematic review of previous research on the effects of multilingualism is carried out. Particular focus was paid here to a number of areas in which multilingualism can have specific and major effects on social life, e.g. education, economy, as well as employment and language policy. Following attempts to problematize the notion of multilingualism, the article concludes that language-related problems evident in multilingual societies appear to be largely attributable to (language and language education) policies implemented by governments concerned.