Multilingualism in a nutshell - a study of pupil´s and teacher’s perceptions of multilingualism 
in Sweden

Abstract: Due to globalization, diversity in the Swedish classrooms is common. This study sets out to examine the pupil’s and teacher’s perspectives of multilingualism in Sweden and how it effects English language learning. Although, a majority consider multilingualism to be an asset in language learning, many still believe that children mix the languages together and become confused. There seems to be no unanimous answer to whether or not multilingualism aids in learning an additional language. Therefore, this study aims to examine positive and negative effects of monolingualism and multilingualism in English language learning in Sweden. More specifically, the aim is to explore whether or not multilingualism aids pupil´s in speaking English as a Foreign Language. The question “What effects does multilingualism have in Year 1 - 3 EFL students’ speaking skill?” was formulated. The research for this qualitative study included interviews of six teachers and four pupil´s, combined with observations of different classrooms in the south of Sweden. The results indicate that both pupil´s and teachers view multilingualism as an advantage to language learning.