1. The coexistence of multiple distinct languages, dialects, or speech varieties within a single text, community, or discourse; linguistic diversity.
Usage: Literary and linguistic term; Coined by Russian theorist Mikhail Bakhtin; Common in academic and literary criticism contexts

Examples

• The novel exhibits heteroglossia through its use of multiple regional dialects and social registers.
• Heteroglossia in postcolonial literature reflects the complex linguistic heritage of formerly colonized nations.
• The author employs heteroglossia to capture the authentic voices of characters from different social classes.
• Urban centers often display heteroglossia as immigrants maintain their native languages alongside the dominant language.
• Bakhtin's concept of heteroglossia emphasizes how language is never unified but always contains multiple voices and perspectives.
• The film's heteroglossia—mixing formal speech, slang, and regional accents—creates a vivid sense of place.
• Social media platforms demonstrate heteroglossia through the blending of formal writing, internet slang, and multiple languages.