If your child is learning two languages, you may sometimes wonder if that’s causing their speech to develop more slowly. Parents often notice differences in pronunciation, word choice, or grammar between their child and other kids who speak only one language. 

The truth is, bilingualism does not cause speech delays, but it can sometimes make language development look a little different. Understanding how bilingual language development works can help you support your child with confidence. In this blog post, we’ll cover standard development in bilingual children and the signs that your child might be experiencing a speech delay.

How Bilingual Language Development Works

When a child is exposed to two languages—either from birth or later in early childhood—their brain naturally begins to organize and separate the two systems. Some children learn both languages at the same time (simultaneous bilingualism), while others first learn one and add the second later (sequential bilingualism).

At first, bilingual children might mix the two languages and use words from both in the same sentence. For example, they might say, “Quiero more milk.” This is called code-switching, and it’s completely normal. It shows that your child knows words in both languages and is learning when to use each one.

Because bilingual children divide their practice time between two languages, they may have smaller vocabularies in each language individually, but their total vocabulary across both languages is often equal to or larger than that of children who only speak one language.

What’s Normal in a Bilingual Child’s Speech

Some parents worry when their bilingual child seems to speak less or later than other children. Here’s what’s typically normal and not a cause for concern:

  • Mixing languages in the same sentence
  • Using a word from one language when they can’t remember it in the other
  • A “silent period” when first exposed to a second language (common in preschoolers adjusting to a new language environment)
  • Different pronunciation or accent in each language
  • Small vocabulary differences in each language

All of these are part of the regular process of sorting out two language systems. With continued exposure and interaction in each language, bilingual children usually reach the same communication milestones as their peers.

When to Be Concerned About a Speech Delay in Your Bilingual Child

While bilingualism itself doesn’t cause speech delays, a child can still experience a speech or language disorder that affects both languages. It’s important to look for signs that go beyond the typical patterns described above.

You may want to seek an evaluation if your child:

  • Doesn’t use gestures (like pointing or waving) by 12 months
  • Isn’t using single words by 18 months
  • Has trouble combining two words by age 2
  • Is hard to understand by age 3, even by family members
  • Has difficulty following directions in either language
  • Rarely imitates sounds or words
  • Seems frustrated when trying to communicate

A qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess both languages to determine whether a true delay exists or if your child’s speech is within the normal range for bilingual development.

How Parents Can Support Bilingual Speech Development at Home

There are many ways you can nurture clear and confident communication in a bilingual household.

1. Speak the language you’re most comfortable in.

Children learn best from models of fluent, natural speech. It’s better to use one language confidently than to switch constantly if you’re unsure of vocabulary or grammar.

2. Provide consistent exposure.

Give your child daily opportunities to hear and use both languages through conversation, books, music, or conversations with family members.

3. Read in both languages.

Reading is one of the best ways to strengthen vocabulary and sentence structure. Choose books in both languages and talk about the pictures together.

4. Encourage interaction with fluent speakers.

Playdates with friends, visiting grandparents, or participating in community groups can offer valuable language practice in real-life situations.

5. Praise all communication attempts.

Whether your child mixes languages or uses one word at a time, model the correct version and don’t try to over-correct. Encouragement is the best way to build your child’s confidence to keep talking.

When in Doubt, Get an Expert Opinion

If you’re unsure whether your child’s speech is developing as expected, the best next step is a professional evaluation. At Let’s Communicate Pediatric Therapy Services, our licensed therapists work with children from birth through age 21, including those growing up in bilingual households. We provide caring, individualized evaluations and play-based therapy plans to help every child communicate confidently in the languages that matter most to your family.

Call (678) 963-0694 to schedule an evaluation today. Together, we’ll help your child build strong communication skills in both languages and celebrate the unique gift of bilingualism.