To speak or not to speak a second language…that is the question…

The topic of bilingualism is always a “hot topic.” Parents often wonder, should I or shouldn’t I expose my child to more than one language? Will this cause a language delay? Will this cause confusion? Should I stop speaking to my child in our native language? So many questions, and we, bilingual speech and language pathologists, have the answers! After all, we are the ones who SPECIALIZE in language delays, language disorders, and overall communication skills. It is time to debunk all of the myths out there stating that introducing a child to a second language will cause a delay/confusion or that parents should only speak to their child in one language. 

Let’s clear up some of the questions parents may have…

First question that is often asked is, “My child has been exposed to two languages since birth. Will this make my child’s language delay even worse?” When children are learning more than one language from birth, they are considered “simultaneous bilinguals” and if they are learning more than one language typically after the age of 3 years old, they are known as “sequential bilinguals.” If your child has been exposed to two languages since birth and they have a language delay, being exposed to two languages will not make their language delay “even worse.” According to an article in the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), “You will not confuse your child, cause or worsen speech or language problems, or slow down their learning by using your languages with your child. In fact, having a strong foundation in one language supports additional language learning!” It is important to note that there is a difference between a language delay, a language disorder, and language difference. With a language delay, a child's language skills are acquired in a typical sequence, but lag behind peers their own age. A language disorder is characterized by atypical language acquisition significantly disrupting communication across settings and a language difference is a rule governed language style that deviates in some way from the standard usage of the mainstream culture. If your child has a language delay or a language disorder, the underlying delay or impairment will manifest in both languages, however, it is not due to being bilingual or learning a second language.

Second question often asked is, “Can I introduce a second language to my child? He already has a delay in his first language.” The answer to this question is… ABSOLUTELY! Language delays can occur in both monolingual and bilingual children, however, bilingualism itself is not the cause of the delay.

And lastly, often parents ask, “Should I stop speaking my home language to my child?” Ahhh… this one hits me to my core. Simply put, no! When parents decide to stop speaking their home language with their child, various situations can occur. Let’s discuss three situations:

1) It can affect the parent-child connection and interaction. A study by Tseng & Fuligni (2000) concluded that “Adolescents who conversed with their parents in different languages felt more emotionally distant from them and were less likely to engage in discussions with them than were youths who shared the same language with their parents.”

2) A child’s connection to his or her home culture can be compromised. Language is more than just a means of communication. It is a BIG part of our culture, identity, and heritage. Let’s not lose that!

3) There may be family members who only speak the home language and if a child loses his or her ability to speak the home language, relationships with these family members can have negative impact.

So overall, what does the research say about bilingualism and language development? Firstly, children with language delays or disorders can learn a second language. We do not need to refrain from exposing a child to multiple languages because of a language delay or disorder. Secondly, there is research to support that a strong foundation in a child’s home language has been found to help a child learn a second language. Thirdly, parents should speak to their child in whichever language is most comfortable to them whether in their native language or a mixture of languages. Fourthly, exposure to multiple languages does not have a negative effect on language development, however, it is important to note that we want to be good, strong, language models for our children in whichever language we are communicating with them in... should I keep going?!

Introduce those languages… bilingualism is a beautiful thing!