Does Being Bilingual Cause Speech or Language Delay?
Families are often told that using two languages is the reason a child is talking later. That explanation can be reassuring—but it can also delay evaluation of a real communication concern.
What ASHA Says
ASHA states that learning and using more than one language does not confuse a child, cause a speech or language problem, or worsen an existing communication disorder. Multilingual children may know different words in different languages and may use each language differently depending on who they are talking to and where.
Why Vocabulary Can Look Different
A child may know “agua” in Spanish and “dog” in English. Looking only at English can underestimate what the child knows. Language exposure also changes over time as children enter preschool or school.
A True Language Problem Shows Up Across Languages
When a communication disorder is present, concerns are expected to appear across the child's languages, although the exact symptoms may look different. That is why assessment should consider all languages and the amount and type of exposure to each.
Do Not Stop Using Your Home Language
Families should communicate with children in the language or languages they are most comfortable using. Rich, natural interaction with family is valuable language input.
When to Seek an Evaluation
If you have concerns about communication development, do not assume bilingualism explains them away. A culturally and linguistically informed assessment can help distinguish language difference from disorder.
This page is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized evaluation.
Playdate Speech Therapy is a one-clinician practice led by Uma Kalani Gosu, M.A., CCC-SLP, serving Charlotte-area families with individualized speech, language and fluency care.
Want an Individual Answer Instead of a General Article?
An evaluation can put the question in the context of your child rather than a population average.