The Value of Multilingual Parliaments: A Commonwealth Perspective

Multilingualism is a defining characteristic of many Commonwealth nations. As such, the practice of bilingual or multilingual governance, particularly within Parliaments, embodies democratic inclusivity, cultural preservation, and social equity. In this article, the author explores the value of bilingual Parliaments within the Commonwealth, drawing on case studies from Kenya, Canada, South Africa, Wales, and New Zealand. It examines both the benefits and challenges of institutionalizing linguistic diversity in legislative settings and offers recommendations rooted in innovation and participatory governance. *This article is a revised and expanded version of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association blog post first published on February 21, 2025.

James Pinnell

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