What term defines learners who are learning two languages at the same time?

• A. Monolingual learners
• B. Bilingual learners
• C. Dual-language learners
• D. Multilingual learners

Answer: (C)

Dual-language learners are learners who are developing two languages at the same time. This label captures the idea that the child is acquiring both languages concurrently—in most cases, a home language and the language used in school or the community. Recognizing this helps educators support the child in developing proficiency in both languages, validate the home language, and plan strategies that promote learning in each language without forcing a premature shift to one only.

Monolingual learners focus on a single language, so that term doesn’t fit when two languages are being learned. A bilingual learner can be proficient in two languages but doesn’t necessarily imply the languages are being learned simultaneously. A multilingual learner describes someone who knows more than two languages, which goes beyond the two-language scenario in this question.