Fact or myth? Speaking multiple languages at home may cause a child to have delays in speech or language development. It is a myth! This common misconception affects many families exploring bilingual language development.
Many children in the United States grow up speaking more than one language, and ASHA offers guidance on multilingual service delivery. At first, some children may seem confused about differing grammar rules or code switching between languages, but this is typical for bilingual language development. In fact, learning another language in the first few years of life is ideal, thanks to the brain’s plasticity at that age. Here are some ways to support bilingual language development in your home.
Expose Your Child to Both Languages Consistently
To begin, creating consistent chances for your child to hear and use both languages in different settings is key to strong language skills. This matters even more when your child can build meaningful connections with others in both languages while embracing their cultures.
- Read books in different languages together, and talk about the characters, pictures, plot, and sequence of events.
- Listen to music and sing in different languages, then discuss the lyrics and translate them to understand their meaning.
- Cook or eat with family members who are native speakers, naming foods, commenting on taste, and describing the steps of the dish.
- Watch TV and movies in different languages. Many children’s shows are available in multiple languages, which can help teach counting, letters, colors, and words in both. Subtitles also help school-aged children connect the two languages.
- Join language-learning programs, like camps, clubs, or dual language programs, so your child can use their skills socially with other kids.
Avoid Mixing Languages Within a Sentence
Exposing your child to both languages is great for building vocabulary and language skills. However, while your child is learning to link words together to express wants, needs, or ideas, hearing code switching can be confusing at that specific stage. To support sentence building, avoid switching languages within a single sentence. Instead, say a sentence fully in one language, then repeat it in the other.
Be Positive and Patient
Generally, bilingual children may develop their language skills a bit differently. Also, many bilingual speakers have a dominant language, which can shift over time depending on exposure to and use of each language. Therefore, be patient, and celebrate every attempt in both languages with positive reinforcement.
In the United States, a bilingual child’s dominant language often becomes English rather than the language spoken by their parents. While that is common, it does not mean the child is not truly bilingual. Overall, practicing speaking, writing, and reading in both languages helps retain both over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speaking two languages cause a speech delay?
No. In fact, a bilingual child who has a speech or language delay will show it across all the languages they speak, and the delay is not caused by learning more than one language.
Is it normal for my child to mix languages?
Yes, some code switching is typical during bilingual language development. Also, you can support your child by modeling full sentences in one language and then repeating them in the other.
When should I talk to a speech-language pathologist?
If you notice concerns with your child’s language development, speak with your child’s physician for a referral, or contact our team directly. A speech-language pathologist can evaluate your child and make recommendations. Read more about when to seek help for late talkers.
How ETLC Can Help
If a bilingual child has a speech or language delay, it will show up in all of their languages, and it is not caused by learning multiple languages. Our speech-language pathologists are happy to talk through your questions. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about speech-language therapy at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- Late Talkers: When to Seek Professional Help
- Toddler Talk: 7 Tips to Increase Language Development
- Early Intervention at ETLC
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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