Bilingualism and Speech Delay: Understanding the Correlation

By: Pranali Shah, MS, CF-SLP

In our increasingly globalized world, bilingualism has become more common and beneficial than ever. However, there is a common concern among parents and educators: does being bilingual cause speech delays in children? Let’s delve into the research and myths surrounding this topic to provide a clearer understanding.

The Benefits of Bilingualism

Bilingualism offers numerous cognitive, social, and economic benefits. Children who grow up learning two languages often demonstrate enhanced problem-solving skills, better multitasking abilities, and improved memory.

Understanding Speech Delay

Speech delay, or language delay, refers to when a child’s speech and language development lags behind typical milestones. This can manifest as a child not speaking as much as their peers, struggling to form sentences, or having difficulty pronouncing words correctly.

The Myth: Bilingualism Causes Speech Delay

One prevalent myth is that bilingualism can cause or exacerbate speech delays. However, research indicates that this is not the case. In fact, growing up bilingual does not inherently lead to speech delays.

Key Points from Research:

1. Normal Variation: Speech and language development varies widely among children, whether they are monolingual or bilingual. Some children may naturally take longer to start speaking or may develop their vocabulary more gradually.
2. Simultaneous vs. Sequential Bilingualism: Children who learn two languages from birth (simultaneous bilinguals) may initially mix languages or have a slightly smaller vocabulary in each language compared to monolingual peers. However, they typically catch up and often surpass monolingual peers in linguistic skills by school age. Sequential bilinguals, who learn a second language after establishing the first, may show a temporary delay as they adjust to the new language, but this is not indicative of a speech delay.
3. Cognitive Advantages: Studies have shown that bilingual children often develop a heightened awareness of language and better executive function skills, which can benefit their overall cognitive development.

Identifying True Speech Delays

It’s important to distinguish between the normal process of learning two languages and an actual speech delay. If a child is not meeting speech milestones in either language, it may be worth consulting a speech-language pathologist. Some indicators of true speech delay include:

• Not babbling by 12 months
• Not using single words by 16 months
• Not using two-word phrases by 24 months
• Difficulty understanding simple instructions by 2 years old

Supporting Bilingual Children

To support a bilingual child’s language development:

• Provide Rich Language Exposure: Ensure the child is exposed to a rich language environment in both languages. This includes reading books, having conversations, and playing language-based games.
• Consistent Practice: Consistency is key. Encourage regular practice in both languages in natural settings, like during playtime or family meals.
• Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate progress in both languages. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and encourages further development.

Conclusion

Bilingualism is a valuable skill that does not cause speech delays. While some bilingual children may initially show differences in language development compared to monolingual peers, these differences are typically temporary and not indicative of a delay. Understanding the benefits and addressing concerns with evidence-based information can help support bilingual children in their language development journey.