Raising a bilingual child comes with numerous benefits, including enhanced cognitive abilities and better cultural awareness. However, parents often worry about the potential for speech delays. This blog will address common concerns and provide insights into how bilingualism affects speech development, along with tips for supporting your child’s language growth.

Understanding Bilingualism and Speech Delays

Bilingualism and Speech Development: It’s important to understand that bilingualism itself does not cause speech delays. Bilingual children typically reach the same language milestones as their monolingual peers, although they might mix languages or take a bit longer to develop a large vocabulary in each language1.

Types of Bilingualism: There are two main types of bilingualism:

Simultaneous Bilingualism: When a child learns two languages from birth.

Sequential Bilingualism: When a child learns a second language after establishing a foundation in their first language, usually before the age of three1.

Common Myths About Bilingualism and Speech Delays

Myth: Bilingualism Causes Speech Delays: Research shows that bilingualism does not inherently cause speech delays. Children can learn multiple languages without it negatively impacting their speech development2.

Myth: Mixing Languages is a Sign of Confusion: It’s normal for bilingual children to mix languages, especially in the early stages. This is a natural part of bilingual language development and not a sign of confusion2.

Myth: Dropping One Language Will Solve Speech Delays: Reducing exposure to one language is not a recommended solution for speech delays. Consistent exposure to both languages is crucial for balanced bilingual development3.

Identifying Speech Delays in Bilingual Children

Milestones to Watch For: Bilingual children should hit the same speech milestones as monolingual children. Key milestones include babbling by 6-9 months, saying their first words by 12-15 months, and forming simple sentences by 2-3 years4.

Red Flags: If your child is not meeting these milestones, it may be worth consulting a speech-language pathologist. Other red flags include limited vocabulary in both languages, difficulty understanding simple instructions, and frustration with communication4.

Supporting Your Bilingual Child

Consistent Language Exposure: Ensure your child has regular and meaningful exposure to both languages. This can be through conversations, reading books, and engaging in activities in both languages2.

Create a Language-Rich Environment: Surround your child with opportunities to hear and use both languages. This includes speaking to them in both languages, playing bilingual games, and watching educational programs3.

Encourage Interaction: Encourage your child to interact with speakers of both languages. Playdates, family gatherings, and community events can provide valuable language practice2.

Be Patient and Positive: Celebrate your child’s progress in both languages, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to learn3.

Seek Professional Guidance: If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, consult a speech-language pathologist who has experience with bilingual children. They can provide tailored strategies and support4.

Conclusion

Raising a bilingual child is a rewarding journey that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Understanding that bilingualism does not cause speech delays and knowing how to support your child’s language development can help you navigate this path with confidence. By providing a rich language environment and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can help your child thrive in both languages.


The Speech Therapy Centres of Canada is a team of dedicated speech-language pathologists (commonly known as S-LPs or speech therapists) and speech-language pathology assistants (S-LPAs)  who provide assessment and therapy services to children and adults with communication disorders.  Our S-LPS, S-LPAs and support staff are truly committed to providing the highest quality of service to our clients and their families. We understand that navigating the world of speech therapy may be daunting so our client services team is prepared to help you every step of the way.