Many parents worry that speaking more than one language at home might confuse their child or delay their speech. This is one of the most common myths speech pathologists hear.
The good news is that learning two or more languages does not cause a speech or language delay. Children are capable of learning multiple languages from an early age, and growing up bilingual offers many social, cultural and cognitive benefits.
However, like all children, bilingual children can still have a speech or language disorder. The important difference is that bilingualism itself is not the cause.
The short answer
No. Learning two or more languages does not cause a speech or language delay.
Children exposed to multiple languages may divide their vocabulary across each language, mix words from different languages, or reach milestones slightly differently in each language. These are all typical parts of bilingual language development.
If a bilingual child has a true speech or language disorder, the difficulties will usually be present across all of the languages they are learning.
Is it normal for bilingual children to mix languages?
Yes.
Many bilingual children use words from both languages in the same sentence. This is called code-mixing or code-switching, and it is a normal part of bilingual language development.
For example, a child might say:
“I want more leche.”
or
“Let’s go to baka’s house.”
Children are not confused—they are using all of the language they know to communicate effectively.
Will my child learn each language more slowly?
Not necessarily.
Some bilingual children may know fewer words in each individual language than a monolingual child. However, when you count the words they know across both languages, their total vocabulary is often similar.
For example:
- English: 30 words
- Macedonian: 25 words
Although they know 30 English words, they actually have a combined vocabulary of around 55 words.
This is one reason why bilingual children should always be assessed across all of their languages whenever possible.
What is typical for bilingual children?
Many bilingual children:
- Learn two or more languages successfully.
- Mix languages during conversations.
- Choose different languages depending on who they are talking to.
- Understand one language better than another.
- Become stronger in different languages over time, depending on exposure.
These patterns are considered a normal part of bilingual development.
Can bilingual children still have a speech or language disorder?
Yes.
Being bilingual does not protect a child from having a communication disorder.
A bilingual child may have:
- A speech sound disorder
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Stuttering
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- A communication difference associated with another developmental condition
When this occurs, the communication difficulties are usually present across all of the child’s languages, not just one.
A speech pathologist can assess communication skills while considering the child’s language exposure, cultural background and family goals.
Should we stop speaking our home language?
In most situations, no.
Families are encouraged to continue speaking the language they are most comfortable using.
Using your home language helps children:
- Build strong relationships with family members.
- Develop cultural identity.
- Communicate with grandparents and extended family.
- Learn language through rich, natural conversations.
Parents do not need to switch to English if it is not their strongest language.
Children benefit most from hearing high-quality language, regardless of which language it is.
How can I support my bilingual child’s communication?
You can support language development by:
- Speaking your strongest language confidently.
- Reading books in all languages your family uses.
- Singing songs and sharing stories.
- Talking during everyday routines.
- Encouraging conversations during play.
- Giving your child plenty of opportunities to communicate.
The amount of meaningful interaction is far more important than the number of languages spoken.
When should I see a speech pathologist?
Consider arranging an assessment if your bilingual child:
- Has very few words across all languages.
- Is difficult to understand.
- Has difficulty understanding language.
- Is not combining words by around two years of age.
- Stops using words they previously had.
- You have concerns about their communication development.
It’s important to tell your speech pathologist about every language your child hears and speaks so the assessment can consider their complete communication profile.
How Unified Speech Pathology can help
At Unified Speech Pathology, we value cultural and linguistic diversity. We understand that multilingual families have unique strengths, and we assess each child’s communication within the context of their home languages, cultural background and everyday environments.
Our speech pathologists provide family-centred, evidence-based assessment and therapy that supports meaningful communication while respecting each family’s language preferences and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will speaking two languages confuse my child?
No. Children are capable of learning multiple languages from an early age, and bilingualism does not cause confusion or communication disorders.
Should I only speak English at home?
Not unless English is your strongest language. Children learn language best when parents speak naturally and confidently in the language they know best.
My child mixes languages. Is that a problem?
No. Mixing languages is a normal part of bilingual language development and often reflects a child’s growing communication skills.
Can a bilingual child receive speech therapy?
Yes. Speech pathologists work with bilingual children regularly and consider all of the child’s languages when planning assessment and intervention.
References
- Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities. Retrieved from https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
- Raising Children Network. (n.d.). Multilingual and bilingual children: language development. Australian Government supported parenting resource. Retrieved from https://raisingchildren.net.au
- Australian Government Department of Education. (n.d.). Supporting multilingual children and families. Retrieved from https://www.education.gov.au
- Centre of Research Excellence in Speech and Language (CRESL). (n.d.). Evidence-based resources for children’s speech and language development. Retrieved from https://www.cresl.com.au
- Paradis, J., Genesee, F., & Crago, M. (2021). Dual Language Development and Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism and Second Language Learning (3rd ed.). Brookes Publishing.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not replace an assessment by a qualified speech pathologist. If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, seek advice from a speech pathologist experienced in working with multilingual families.
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