mixed-language development
nounUK /mɪkst ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
US /mɪkst ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/
When a child learns two or more languages at the same time while growing up.
Her mixed-language development means she speaks English at school and Spanish at home.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The blending of words from different languages in a single sentence or conversation.
His mixed-language development showed up when he said 'quiero water' at dinner.
3. A learning process where a person picks up several languages in the same period of time.
The program supports mixed-language development for children new to the country.
4. The way a community's speech combines elements of more than one language over time.
The town's mixed-language development reflects its history of trade and migration.