X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Is it true that bilingual children suffer from speech delays?

3 min read

You've probably heard from a fellow parent, or read somewhere that teaching your child to speak 2 different languages can cause speech delays. However, is there really any truth to this notion? Or is it just an old wive's tale?

What exactly is a speech delay?

First off, let's talk about what a speech delay actually is. A child is considered to have a speech delay if their speech development is below the norm for other children of the same age. This means that a child has a speech delay if they acquire their speech milestones very late compared to other kids.

Some things that can cause a speech delay such hearing impairment, mental retardation, cognitive deficits etc. However, one thing that's confirmed to not give your child a speech delay would be teaching them to be bilingual.

This is because a lot of people mistakenly think that since you're teaching 2 languages to your child, they might suffer from speech delays since they can get the 2 languages mixed up, or they might get confused.

However, children are actually more predisposed to learning languages compared to adults. Kids' brains are sponges for knowledge, so for them, learning 2 languages isn't any different to learning a single language.

How can you teach your child 2 languages?

You don't really have to do anything special if you want to teach 2 languages to your child. All you need is to be consistent, and have some structure whenever you teach your child.

Try to use different languages when talking to your child at home. That way, they can get used to the sounds of the words, as well as the different meanings of the words in different languages. Reading stories in different languages also helps a lot in trying to teach your child to be bilingual.

The number 1 thing to remember is to be consistent, and to constantly expose your child to learning. That way, their brains will get used to hearing the 2 languages, and it'll be easier for them to speak it themselves.

A great benefit of teaching your child to be bilingual is that they'll be more inclined to learning, since being bilingual exercises the parts of their brain that encourage them to learn. This makes it easier for them to understand what you teach them and it will greatly benefit them once they're already in school.

So don't be afraid of those stories you hear about children having speech delays because of being bilingual. Encourage your child to speak 2 languages, and they'll be better for it!

Partner Stories
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
5 Tips To Challenge Your Child For His All-Around Development
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
3 Game Changing Baby Products that’s Now Available
BATANG MATIBAY: How this OFW's 12-year-old Son Shines at School and at Home
BATANG MATIBAY: How this OFW's 12-year-old Son Shines at School and at Home
When Shopping For Tablets For Your Kids What Should Be On Your Checklist?
When Shopping For Tablets For Your Kids What Should Be On Your Checklist?

 

Source: bilingualkidspot.com, babycenter.com

READ: Teaching your child both Filipino and English can make them smarter

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Jan Alwyn Batara

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Toddler Years
  • /
  • Is it true that bilingual children suffer from speech delays?
Share:
  • Acetaminophen during pregnancy can lead to speech delay in baby girls

    Acetaminophen during pregnancy can lead to speech delay in baby girls

  • STUDY: Bata mas natututong magsalita sa tulong ng kapwa niya bata

    STUDY: Bata mas natututong magsalita sa tulong ng kapwa niya bata

  • 5 signs na masyado mong nahihigpitan ang iyong anak

    5 signs na masyado mong nahihigpitan ang iyong anak

  • Dani Barretto sa speech delay ng kaniyang daughter: “Kahit ano pa siya, mamahalin ko siya.”

    Dani Barretto sa speech delay ng kaniyang daughter: “Kahit ano pa siya, mamahalin ko siya.”

  • Acetaminophen during pregnancy can lead to speech delay in baby girls

    Acetaminophen during pregnancy can lead to speech delay in baby girls

  • STUDY: Bata mas natututong magsalita sa tulong ng kapwa niya bata

    STUDY: Bata mas natututong magsalita sa tulong ng kapwa niya bata

  • 5 signs na masyado mong nahihigpitan ang iyong anak

    5 signs na masyado mong nahihigpitan ang iyong anak

  • Dani Barretto sa speech delay ng kaniyang daughter: “Kahit ano pa siya, mamahalin ko siya.”

    Dani Barretto sa speech delay ng kaniyang daughter: “Kahit ano pa siya, mamahalin ko siya.”

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.