There’s no denying the evidence - raising a child in a bilingual household is an enviable opportunity, particularly when it comes to speech and language development. But understanding how bilingualism impacts your child’s communication development can be a conflicting subject for many parents.
Awareness of the benefits of bilingualism, and also of some of the do’s and don’ts when it comes to speaking more than one language at home, is crucial for parents who wish to support their child to develop language to their full potential.
Common misconceptions about bilingualism can often lead to unnecessary concerns, and a doubt as to whether parents should drop their first language altogether. But with the right strategies and support, parents can confidently nurture their child's communication skills in as many languages as they wish to use.
This guide will delve into practical approaches to bilingualism in early child language development, dispelling myths and providing valuable resources for fostering a vibrant, dual-language environment. So let’s get started on how you can support your child's bilingual journey, and celebrate the wonderful strengths that multilingualism can provide!
The Impact of Bilingualism on Speech and Language Development
Understanding bilingualism in young children involves recognising its impact on speech and language development. And guess what? There aren’t any downsides.
Whilst some people may presume that learning two languages could hold a child back or cause confusion, the evidence strongly suggests otherwise.
From birth, our ability to distinguish between languages should not be underestimated, and it really is one of the superpowers we have as human beings. Our ability to learn languages is innate - we are born with curious brains that are listening out for language from as early as 16 weeks in the womb. Our babies are born to tune into the voices they hear around them, and the research shows that hearing more than one language enhances cognitive flexibility. Bilingual children may experience slight delays in reaching certain language milestones compared to their monolingual peers, but this delay is generally temporary and does not have a lasting impact on communication development.
As well as better cognitive flexibility, bilingualism can lead to enhanced executive functions, such as problem-solving and multitasking. These skills are developed through the continual practice of switching between languages. When a child is in a multilingual environment, this constant processing means that the brain is essentially getting a workout - resulting in a healthier, more efficient brain all round.
So rather than being a negative thing that might hold your child back, bilingualism can in fact contribute positively to a child's speech and language development, equipping them with valuable cognitive tools that extend well beyond language acquisition.
Common Misconceptions About Bilingualism
Misconceptions about bilingualism often lead parents to second-guess their decision to raise their child bilingual. Understanding some of the common misconceptions about bilingual language development can help parents to make informed decisions and embrace the advantages of raising a bilingual child.
Will my child get confused if they hear more than one language?
Some people still believe that exposing a child to multiple languages will confuse them, but learning more than one language does not result in any difficulties on its own. Bilingual children are no more prone to speech and language difficulties than monolingual children. In reality, bilingualism does not cause speech and language difficulties.
A child who has a speech and language delay has an underlying difficulty, which would have been present regardless, and this usually presents equally in both languages. If your child is mixing up languages when they speak (maybe starting in one language, but switching between the two or using the odd word here and there in another language), this is not an indication of speech and language difficulties. This phenomenon is known as code-switching, and is a completely normal and expected part of learning more than one language.
Will my child struggle at school if they are bilingual, or don’t have English as their first language?
Some parents worry that bilingualism might negatively impact academic performance. Contrary to this belief, research shows that bilingual children often exhibit superior academic skills, benefiting from robust cognitive abilities. Bilingualism has been shown to benefit a child’s overall academic progress, including in subjects such as science and maths.
Understanding these misconceptions can help parents make informed decisions and embrace the advantages of raising a bilingual child.
In summary, children who are learning more than one language will present with:
- Better language learning skills
- More global opportunities
- Potential strengths in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- Cognitive advantages - more flexibility, better problem-solving skills
- A more creative mind
- Being better at multi-tasking
- Increased resilience from repeated trial and error
- A larger vocabulary
- Better memory
… the list goes on!
Supporting Language Growth at Home
Supporting a child’s language development within a multilingual household is essential for fostering their bilingual abilities.
To encourage dual language use, parents can adopt several strategies that integrate language learning into daily routines:
- Consistent Language Exposure: Ensure regular exposure to both languages through conversations, storytelling, music and play.
- Language Separation: Designate specific contexts or activities for each language to help children differentiate between them. Or 1 person, 1 language. Try not to switch regularly between languages within an activity or a conversation if you yourself are bilingual.
- Role Models: Involve family members or community members who speak the language to provide authentic interactions.
- Language Games: Utilise games and puzzles that require using both languages, making learning engaging and interactive.
By implementing these strategies, parents can naturally and effectively promote their child's bilingual language development, creating a balanced language experience.
Creating a Positive Language-Learning Environment
Creating a positive language-learning environment at home involves valuing both languages equally. Parents should emphasise the importance of cultural heritage and language identity, helping children to see the value in maintaining their bilingualism.
Introduce language-rich activities such as reading books in your home language, watching programmes in both languages, and engaging in discussions about various cultural traditions. Such practices not only reinforce language skills, but also foster a sense of pride in a child's bilingual background and identity.
Parents should also encourage their child to share language experiences with peers, facilitating a supportive community network. This approach helps normalise bilingualism and provides children with opportunities to practise language skills in diverse settings.
The Role of Speech Therapists in Bilingual Settings
Speech Therapists play a crucial role in supporting bilingual children with speech and language difficulties. They assess and deliver therapy in a manner that respects the child's linguistic background, often involving professional interpreters where necessary.
Therapists will help to identify strategies for you to focus on in both languages, ensuring that treatment is comprehensive and culturally sensitive. Therapists collaborate with parents to develop tailored strategies that leverage the child's strengths in each language.
By understanding the unique dynamics of bilingualism, speech therapists offer valuable insights and interventions that facilitate effective communication skills for children across different languages.
Finding Support and Resources for Parents
Parents seeking support for their bilingual child's speech and language development can access various resources tailored to their needs:
- Professional Organisations: The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) provides detailed information and resources.
- Community Support Groups: Engage with local or online bilingual parent groups to share experiences and advice.
- Educational Materials: Explore bilingual educational resources, such as books and media, to support language learning at home.
By utilising these resources, parents can confidently address their child's speech therapy needs, ensuring that their bilingual journey is supported by knowledgeable professionals and a strong community.
