This volume is an up-to-date, concise introduction to bilingualism and multilingualism in schools, in the workplace, and in international institutions in a globalized world. The authors use a problem-solving approach and ask broad questions about bilingualism and multilingualism in society, including the question of language acquisition versus maintenance of bilingualism. Key features: - provides a state-of-the-art description of different areas in the context of multilingualism and multilingual communication - presents a critical appraisal of the relevance of the field, - offers solutions of everyday language-related problems - international handbook with contributions from renowned experts in the field