How Bilingualism Affects Speech and Language Development
How Bilingualism Affects Speech and Language Development
Raising a bilingual child is a wonderful gift that provides lifelong benefits. However, many parents worry that learning two languages at once might confuse their child, delay speech development, or cause language difficulties. These concerns are common, but research shows that bilingualism does not cause speech or language delays. In fact, learning multiple languages can strengthen cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and even social communication.
In this guide, we’ll explore how bilingualism affects speech and language development, common myths about bilingual children, and practical strategies for supporting language growth in a bilingual home.
Understanding Bilingual Language Development
A bilingual child is one who is exposed to and learning two languages. Some children grow up in homes where both languages are spoken from birth (simultaneous bilingualism), while others learn a second language later (sequential bilingualism).
Key Facts About Bilingual Language Development:
Bilingual children reach the same speech and language milestones as monolingual children, though they may distribute their vocabulary across two languages.
Code-switching (mixing words from both languages) is a normal part of bilingual development and does not indicate confusion.
Some bilingual children may have a brief "silent period" when first exposed to a second language, but this is temporary and expected.
Bilingualism can actually enhance cognitive flexibility, attention, and problem-solving skills.
Does Bilingualism Cause Speech or Language Delays?
One of the biggest myths about bilingualism is that learning two languages at once can delay speech development. However, research consistently shows that bilingual children develop speech and language skills at the same rate as monolingual children.
What Parents Might Notice:
Bilingual children may start speaking their first words at the same time as monolingual peers (around 12 months).
They may initially have a smaller vocabulary in each individual language but an overall combined vocabulary that is equal to or larger than monolingual peers.
Mixing languages (code-switching) is normal and does not indicate a problem.
When to Be Concerned:
If a bilingual child is experiencing speech difficulties in both languages—not just one—it may be a sign of a true speech or language delay rather than a bilingualism-related issue.
Common Myths About Bilingualism and Speech Development
Myth 1: Bilingualism Confuses Children
Fact: Children have an amazing ability to distinguish between two languages. They may mix words or grammar from both languages in the early stages, but this is a normal part of bilingual development.
Myth 2: Learning Two Languages Causes Speech Delays
Fact: Bilingual children develop speech at the same rate as monolingual children. If a child has a speech delay, it is unrelated to bilingualism.
Myth 3: A Child Should Master One Language Before Learning Another
Fact: There is no need to delay introducing a second language. Children can learn two languages simultaneously without negative effects.
Myth 4: Bilingualism Affects Academic Performance
Fact: Bilingualism can actually enhance cognitive and academic skills, including problem-solving, multitasking, and reading abilities.
Myth 5: If a Child Has a Speech Delay, Parents Should Drop One Language
Fact: Removing a language does not fix a speech delay. Instead, maintaining both languages supports overall communication development.
How to Support Speech and Language Development in Bilingual Children
While bilingualism does not cause speech delays, consistent exposure to both languages is key to strong language development. Here’s how parents can support their bilingual child:
1. Provide Consistent Exposure to Both Languages
Make sure your child hears both languages daily in meaningful conversations.
Read books, sing songs, and play games in both languages.
If possible, have family members or caregivers regularly speak each language.
2. Encourage Conversation and Interaction
Engage in back-and-forth conversations rather than just giving instructions.
Ask open-ended questions like, "What did you do at school today?" instead of yes/no questions.
3. Use the “One Person, One Language” (OPOL) Approach
Some families choose for each parent to speak only one language consistently.
Example: One parent speaks only Spanish, while the other speaks only English.
4. Read Books in Both Languages
Bilingual books help reinforce vocabulary and storytelling skills.
Encourage children to retell the story in both languages.
5. Accept Code-Switching (Mixing Languages)
If your child mixes words from both languages in a sentence, it’s completely normal.
Example: "Can I have más leche?" (English + Spanish)
Instead of correcting, model the correct sentence naturally: "Oh, you want more milk?"
6. Use Music, Rhymes, and Songs
Music helps reinforce pronunciation, rhythm, and sentence structure in both languages.
Example: Singing “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” in both English and French.
7. Play Language-Rich Games
Games like “I Spy,” storytelling, and role-playing activities encourage language use.
Example: "I spy something that is azul (blue)!"
8. Be Patient and Celebrate Progress
Some children take longer to express themselves in both languages, but this does not mean they have a delay.
Encourage all language attempts and celebrate new words in either language.
When to Seek Professional Help
While bilingualism itself does not cause speech delays, some children may still experience true language difficulties. Consider consulting a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if your child:
Is not saying any words by 18 months (in either language).
Has fewer than 50 words by age 2.
Struggles with communication in both languages (not just one).
Has trouble following directions or understanding spoken language.
Seems frustrated when trying to speak.
An SLP trained in bilingual language development can assess whether speech difficulties are due to a true delay or just typical bilingual learning patterns. Articulink is proud to have bilingual speech therapists available to support children and families in their preferred language. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, effective therapy while ensuring clear communication and cultural understanding.
The Long-Term Benefits of Bilingualism
Children who grow up bilingual gain lifelong advantages, including:
✅ Better problem-solving and cognitive flexibility
✅ Stronger listening and multitasking skills
✅ Higher adaptability in diverse social settings
✅ Increased career and educational opportunities later in life
Despite myths and misconceptions, bilingualism is an asset, not a disadvantage.
Final Thoughts
Bilingualism does not cause speech delays—in fact, learning multiple languages can enhance brain development and communication skills. While bilingual children may develop language differently than monolingual peers, their ability to learn and use two languages is a strength.
The key to success is consistent exposure, patience, and positive reinforcement. If you're concerned about your child's speech development, reach out to us today to schedule a free evaluation. Early support can help your child develop strong communication skills in both languages!