Are you worried about your bilingual child's speech delay? Scientific evidence dispels misconceptions and truths.

Many parents worry deeply about the language development of their children growing up in a bilingual environment, and frequently ask, "Is my child's speech delayed?"

Many of you may be anxious due to the concerned gazes of those around you or the lack of information. Recently, a large-scale study published in the prestigious Journal of Child Language seems to offer a clear answer to this question, so I've brought it to you.

Early Language Development in Bilingual Children: What's the Science?

This study conducted a long-term, in-depth comparative analysis of 302 bilingual and 302 monolingual infants aged 0–24 months, and to put it simply, it directly verified and provided solid evidence that ‘there is no difference in early language development.’

> Key Research Results <

1) Bilingual vs. Monolingual: The timing of reaching early language milestones is the same.

The timing of reaching important language development milestones, such as babbling, first words, tenth words, and first sentences, appears to be the same for both bilingual and monolingual infants.

Scientific evidence supports the notion that a bilingual environment slows down language development.

2) Bilingual intralingual comparison: There is no difference in the timing of first words between the two languages. 

There was no significant difference in the timing of first words among the languages bilingual children learn (the language they use at home and the language they use in society), indicating that children are acquiring both languages simultaneously and in a balanced manner.

 

Significance of the research results

These research findings provide important implications for parents:

1. Now, don't get me wrong: Evidence continues to mount that disproves the misconception that bilingualism leads to delayed speech. It's crucial to gain accurate information so that these concerns don't lead to restricting your child to one language or misdiagnosing them as having a language delay.

2. Clinical criteria are the same: Even for children in bilingual environments , language development milestones should be applied in the same way as for monolingual children. However, individual developmental differences exist, so if a delay is suspected, prompt professional evaluation is recommended.

3. Do this: Rather than reducing the number of languages your child speaks because you're concerned about their language development , shift your focus to increasing meaningful interactions with your child in both languages.

What matters is not the quantity of language, but the quality of communication.

Start today! A 20-minute routine to help your child develop language skills.

So what can we do to effectively support our children's language development in a bilingual environment?

📖 Read a book in two languages for 20 minutes every day: Alternate reading the same book in family language today and social language tomorrow. Your child will naturally expand their language skills by encountering the same content in different languages.

🏷️ Utilizing 'Situational Bilingual Labeling' in Everyday Life: Say common everyday objects or actions in both languages. For example, "water" or "shoes." This will help your child develop the ability to connect situations and words.

Download free bilingual flashcards

🗣️ 'Immediately expand' on your child's voice: It's important for parents to expand their child's sounds into meaningful words. For example, if your child says "bar!", say "bus!" This expansion shouldn't be limited to just one language; it should be done in both.

- 📊 Assess your child's language skills using the concept of 'total vocabulary': A bilingual child's actual language ability should be assessed by their "total vocabulary," which is the sum of their vocabulary in both languages. Be careful not to judge a child's "small vocabulary" based solely on the vocabulary size in one language!

Red Flags That Recommend a Language Development Assessment

Regardless of their bilingual background, there are warning signs of language delays that apply to all children. If you notice any of the signs below, don't dismiss them as "just because they're bilingual." It is important to seek professional evaluation immediately .

- 12–15 months: When there are no meaningful words at all or when there is a marked lack of interaction or gestures.

- 18–24 months: Lack of joint attention (focusing on something together) or imitation, little or no response when called by name, or extremely limited use of words/two-word combinations.

For your child's precious language development, please always pay attention to ensure accurate information and appropriate support is provided.

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Reference 

Paper : Muszyńska, K. et al. (2025). Bilingual children reach early language milestones at the same age as monolingual peers. Journal of Child Language .

Background review : Byers-Heinlein, K., & Lew-Williams, C. (2013). Bilingualism in the Early Years: What the Science Says.

General milestone information : Mayo Clinic, Language development: Speech milestones for babies. (Parent education guide)