Is It Normal for Bilingual Children to Have Speech Delays?

Bilingualism is becoming increasingly common around the world, and 20 percent of all Americans can speak two or more languages. The number of families raising children to speak two or more languages is increasing. Some may wonder, “Is it normal for bilingual children to have speech delays?”

The short answer is no, it is not normal for bilingual children to have speech delays just because they are bilingual. A child being bilingual does not increase the risk of them having a speech or language delay. Therefore, when a bilingual child shows signs of a speech delay, it is important to address the issue the same way that you would for their single language peers - with speech therapy. 

Do bilingual children have delayed speech?

The belief that bilingualism causes speech delays in children is one of the most common concerns raised by some parents, educators, and even doctors. Fortunately, research has consistently shown that this is not true. Bilingual children do not experience speech delays any more than monolingual (one language) children. Children learning two languages follow the same general development guidelines as those learning just one language. While the process may look a bit different, their capabilities develop on a similar timeline. 

At what age should a bilingual child start talking?

Bilingual children typically start talking around the same time as their peers who are learning a single language. Early language vocabulary milestones include:

• 12 Months - Vocabulary of 1-2 simple words
• 18 Months - Vocabulary of 10-20 words
• 2 Years Old - Vocabulary of 50 or more words
• 3 Years Old - Vocabulary of 250 or more words

The difference between monolingual and bilingual children is that the vocabulary of a bilingual child may include a variety of words from each of their learned languages. It is important to note that the total vocabulary across all of their languages is what matters. 

Do Bilingual Children Start Taking Later?

Sometimes it may appear that bilingual children start talking later than their monolingual peers. In most cases, this is due to the language distribution and not a delay. Their vocabulary may appear smaller in one language because it's spread across two languages. When both languages are considered, most bilingual children are right on track with their peers. 

Simultaneous vs. Sequential Bilingualism

Simultaneous bilingualism is when a child is exposed to two languages from birth or before age three. These children often learn both languages at the same time and can alternate which language they are speaking depending on their audience. Sequential bilingualism is when a child learns one language before being introduced to a second (typically after age three). 

Code-Mixing: A Normal Part of Bilingual Development

Code-mixing occurs when a bilingual person mixes different languages as they speak. For example, saying "quiero juice" instead of "quiero jugo" or “Can you ponerme my shoes?” instead of “Can you put on my shoes?”. 

Code-mixing can be a completely normal part of bilingual development. It is not a sign of confusion or a language problem. It demonstrates that the child understands and can navigate both languages effectively. 

Myth - Dropping one language will fix speech problems in a bilingual child. 

If your bilingual child is experiencing a speech problem, such as a speech delay, it is not recommended to drop one language. In fact, limiting the child to one language may result in them losing proficiency in it. It may also harm the child’s emotional and cultural connection to their family and community. Instead, there are many activities that you can do with your child on your own to help encourage speech, and speech therapy is always a great option - regardless of age!

When to Be Concerned about Language Development

Regardless of how many languages a child is learning, there are certain speech and language milestones that if not met, may require further evaluation. You should consult with your pediatrician and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if your child:

• By 12 months: Does not babble, point, or respond to their name
• By 18 months: Is not using at least 10 words (in any language)
• By 24 months: Is not combining words
• By 3 years of age: Has speech that is impossible to understand, even by those close to them. 

Supporting Language Development at Home

Parents play an important role in supporting language development. Here are a few tips to encourage language growth for bilingual children. 

• Talk often: Speak to your child regularly in the language that you are most comfortable using. 
• Read: Read books in both languages to your child often. Books are powerful tools for vocabulary development. 
• Encourage: Encourage the child to speak in both languages. Do not drop one if struggles are noticed.
• Be Patient: Be patient with your child. If they are code-mixing, remember that it is temporary and normal.

Speech Therapists and Their Role in Helping Children with Speech Delays

If you suspect that your child has a speech delay, a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) should be consulted. Early intervention is key. If your child is not meeting their communication milestones, do not wait. Being bilingual is not the cause, and addressing the delay early can greatly improve the child’s long-term outcome. 

At Great Speech, we are the experts in virtual speech therapy for all ages. Schedule a free introductory call today.