In China, 双语 (shuāngyǔ) is not just a linguistic term; it's a symbol of aspiration and global integration. For the last few decades, achieving English-Chinese bilingualism has been a major goal for millions of families. The concept is deeply tied to opportunity. A `双语` education is seen as a ticket to a better university, a higher-paying job at a multinational company, and the ability to navigate the world outside of China. This has fueled a massive industry of `双语学校 (shuāngyǔ xuéxiào)` - bilingual schools - and private tutoring. This contrasts with how bilingualism is often viewed in the West. In America, for example, bilingualism can be a connection to one's heritage (e.g., a Spanish-speaking household) or a skill acquired for personal enrichment. In China, while personal enrichment is a factor, the primary drivers are intensely pragmatic and economic. For many, becoming 双语 is less about cultural identity and more about securing a competitive advantage in a rapidly globalizing world. The unspoken default for 双语 is almost always Mandarin and English, highlighting the perceived importance of English as the global lingua franca.
双语 (shuāngyǔ) is most commonly used as an adjective to describe things.