Speech Development in Bilingual Children
South Africa is a multilingual country, and many children grow up hearing and speaking two or more languages. At SpeakClearly in Johannesburg, we frequently work with bilingual and multilingual families and understand the unique considerations involved.
Common Myths About Bilingualism and Speech
Myth: Bilingualism causes speech delays.
Fact: Research consistently shows that bilingualism does not cause speech or language delays. Bilingual children may have a smaller vocabulary in each individual language, but their total vocabulary across both languages is typically comparable to monolingual peers.
Myth: You should stop speaking one language if your child has a speech delay.
Fact: Dropping a language is not recommended. Maintaining both languages supports cognitive development, cultural identity, and family communication. Speech therapy can be effective while maintaining bilingualism.
Myth: Mixing languages is a sign of confusion.
Fact: Code-switching (mixing languages) is a normal and sophisticated skill that bilingual speakers use. It is not a sign of confusion or delay.
When to Be Concerned
The same developmental milestones apply to bilingual children. If your child is not meeting age-appropriate milestones in either language, an assessment is recommended. Signs to watch for include:
- Late talking in both languages
- Difficulty understanding instructions in both languages
- Limited vocabulary growth in both languages combined
- Frustration when communicating in either language
How SpeakClearly Supports Bilingual Families
Our therapists at SpeakClearly understand the dynamics of bilingual language development. We assess children in the context of their full linguistic environment and provide therapy that respects and supports all languages spoken at home.
Concerned about your bilingual child’s speech? Contact us at 060 361 0834 or admin@speakclearly.co.za for an assessment at our Johannesburg practice.
Related: If you are also worried about delayed talking, see How to Help a Late Talker at Home: 5 Strategies That Actually Work for practical support.