DOI:  https://doi.org/10.36719/XXXX-XXXX/1/49-53

Ilkana Suleymanova

Baku State University

Master's student

ilkanasuleymanova0118@gmail.com

Language Choice and Social Factors in a Multilingual Environment

Abstract

In a multilingual environment, language choice is closely related to the social conditions in which an individual lives, the cultural context, and the system of social relations. When people use different languages in their daily lives, this choice is not random; rather, it is shaped by factors such as family background, education, professional environment, and social status. For instance, while an individual may speak their native language at home, they may prefer a more widely used or prestigious language in formal and public settings. This demonstrates that language behavior varies depending on the situation. At the same time, multilingualism contributes significantly to the expansion of communication between societies and to the development of both cultural and economic relations. However, in some cases, language choice can also raise issues such as social inequality, language dominance, or assimilation. Therefore, language choice in a multilingual environment is not only an individual matter but also a complex process formed through the interaction of social and cultural factors.

Keywords: multilingualism (polylingualism), language choice, social factors, language environment, language behavior