Myths vs Facts

Raising a child in a bilingual or multilingual home is an incredible journey, but it often comes with questions, worries, and mixed advice. Many families are told that speaking more than one language at home will confuse their child or delay their development.

As speech therapists who are passionate about supporting healthy language development, we want to unpack some of the most common myths around bilingualism and explain what actually supports strong language skills.

So… let’s start with some myth busting!

Myth: Children get confused if they hear more than one language

Fact: Children are incredibly capable language learners.

Children who grow up hearing two or more languages develop separate systems for each language, including sounds, vocabulary, and grammar. In fact, children are biologically wired for language learning and can navigate multiple language systems from an early age.

That said, bilingual or multilingual children may appear to lag slightly behind monolingual peers in early grammar or vocabulary development. However, research shows that by the time they begin school, these differences typically resolve.

It is also completely normal for bilingual children to mix languages or use a word from one language when it comes to mind more easily. This is a typical and expected part of bilingual development known as code-switching.

Myth: Speaking your home language will make it harder for your child to learn English

Fact: Maintaining a home language actually supports learning English.

Many parents worry that continuing to speak their home language will slow down their child’s English development. In reality, a strong foundation in a child’s first language helps them learn additional languages more easily.

Research indicates that language skills are transferable (Cummins, J., 1979). When children understand concepts such as vocabulary, grammar, storytelling, and turn-taking in one language, these skills support learning in another. A strong first language provides a solid base for learning English at school.

Importantly, children learn language best when they hear it spoken naturally and confidently. It is far more beneficial for a child to hear rich, fluent language in their home language than simplified or “broken” English. Quality and consistency of input matter the most when it comes to language learning.

Maintaining the home language also supports emotional connection, cultural identity, and strong family relationships - all of which play a vital role in a child’s overall development.

Myth: If a bilingual child has language difficulties, it’s because they’re learning more than one language

Fact: A true language difficulty will appear across all languages a child uses.

It’s important to understand the difference between a language difference and a language disorder. A bilingual child may have a smaller vocabulary in each language compared to monolingual peers, but this does not mean there is a delay.

If a child is struggling to understand or express themselves in both their home language and English, this may indicate an underlying language difficulty rather than an issue caused by bilingualism.

When assessing bilingual children, speech pathologists consider:

Exposure to each language
Opportunities to use each language
Cultural and linguistic background
Skills across both languages

Low English skills alone do not automatically indicate a language disorder, they often reflect limited exposure rather than a true difficulty.

Key Takeaways: What We Think Families Should Know

Simultaneous vs Sequential Bilingualism

Simultaneous bilinguals learn two languages from birth or early infancy.
Sequential bilinguals learn one language first, then acquire another later (often when starting school).

Both pathways are typical and healthy.

What truly supports language development

Regular, meaningful exposure to language
High-quality, natural interactions with adults
Strong foundations in the home language
Opportunities for face-to-face communication (not just screens)

Remember

Bilingualism does not cause language delays
Mixing languages is normal and expected, especially as a child is learning to separate the languages
A child’s home language is a strength, not a barrier, and maintenance is encouraged

If you have concerns about your child’s communication in both their home language and English, a speech pathologist can help determine whether support is needed and guide you through the next steps. Contact us to learn more or make an appointment!

Learning Two or More Languages