Bilingualism, Multilingualism, and Speech Development: What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

One of the most common questions parents might ask us is, “Will learning two languages delay my child’s speech?” The short answer is, no. Exposure to more than one language does not cause speech or language delays. Children all over the world grow up hearing and using multiple languages every day. In fact, bilingualism and multilingualism are a normal and healthy way for children to develop communication skills. If your family speaks more than one language at home, you do not need to choose one language out of concern that multiple languages will confuse your child.

What do we mean by bilingualism and multilingualism?

• Bilingualism = using and learning two languages
• Multilingualism = using and learning more than two languages

This may look different from family to family:

• One parent speaks one language and another parent speaks a different language
• Multiple languages are spoken at home
• A child hears one language at home and another at daycare or school
• Grandparents, caregivers, and community members use different languages

There is no single “right” way to raise a multilingual child.

Does exposure to multiple languages delay speech?

Research consistently shows that learning more than one language does not cause speech or language delays. Children learning multiple languages may show patterns that look different from monolingual peers, but these differences are part of typical bilingual language development, not signs of delay. For example, multilingual children may:

• Use words from different languages in the same sentence (code-switching)
• Have more vocabulary in one language than another depending on exposure
• Take slightly longer to retrieve a word because they have multiple language systems available
• Appear to know fewer words in each individual language, but often have a similar or larger total vocabulary across languages

For example, a child may know:

• 50 words in Spanish
• 40 words in English
• Even if they don’t know the same words in both languages, they may actually have a combined vocabulary of much more than 50 concepts.

What speech and language development can look like in multilingual children

Speech and language development still follows the same broad progression:

• Babbling
• First words
• Combining words
• Growing vocabulary
• Developing sentences and conversation skills

The exact timing and language distribution may vary depending on:

• Amount of exposure to each language
• Opportunities to use each language
• Age of exposure
• Consistency across environments

A child may prefer one language at certain times and another language in different settings, and that can be completely typical.

What about mixing languages?

Many parents worry when their child says things like:

• “Quiero more juice.”
• “Non, I want that one.”

This is called code-switching and it is a normal communication strategy. Children are not confused. They are using all of the language knowledge available to communicate effectively. Adults do this too.

If a child has a language disorder, does using multiple languages make it worse?

No. If a child has an underlying language disorder, it will generally affect all languages they use, not because bilingualism caused it, but because the language system itself is impacted. Reducing a child to one language does not “fix” a language disorder. Children with speech and language differences can still successfully learn and use multiple languages.

How do we know if it’s really a language disorder or not?

• A speech-language evaluation will determine whether there is a difference in the learning or use of one language versus another, or if there is presence of a true disorder across how language is used and understood across all languages the child knows.
• A language difference is a variation in how someone speaks that reflects their cultural, regional, or linguistic background. This may occur when a child understands or uses a language that is different than the language used for instruction, but does not impact their ability to communicate within their culture or community. A child with a language difference may present with delays or difficulty using their second language, but have typically developing skills in their first language.
• A language disorder is the impairment of a child’s ability to learn, process, understand, and use language. Because this is a more fundamental issue, it is expected that a language disorders in bilingual and multilingual individuals would present with difficulties across languages.

It is important that a speech-language evaluation include assessment of their first and second languages, language exposure history, and dynamic assessment, in order to provide a cohesive and culturally appropriate understanding of whether the child has a language difference or language disorder.

Should we stop speaking our home language?

For most families, the answer is no. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to speak the language(s) they are most comfortable and connected with. Children learn language best through:

• Rich interaction
• Responsive conversations
• Play
• Reading together
• Daily routines
• Emotional connection

A parent speaking their strongest language often provides more natural language models than trying to switch to a less comfortable language. Your home language is more than vocabulary, it supports relationships, culture, identity, and connection across generations.

When should families seek a speech-language evaluation?

Consider speaking with a pediatrician or speech-language pathologist if your child:

• Is not babbling by around 9–12 months
• Is not using words by expected developmental ranges
• Has difficulty understanding language
• Loses previously acquired skills
• Shows communication challenges across all languages they are exposed to

When evaluating multilingual children, it is important to consider all languages, not just English. Exposure to more than one language does not cause speech or language delays. Children are capable of learning multiple languages, and differences in bilingual development are often part of normal language learning, not signs that something is wrong. The goal is not to choose the “perfect” language plan. The goal is meaningful communication, connection, and opportunities for children to engage with the people around them. Your child can grow, connect, and communicate in more than one language, and that is something to celebrate. Schedule a free phone consultation with a pediatric speech therapist today if you have questions about your child’s language development.