Does Learning Two Languages Cause a Speech Delay? (Tips for Bilingual Toddlers)

As someone who works with parents of young children with communication delays, I get asked this question A LOT: "Is my toddler behind because we speak two languages at home?" If you're raising a bilingual child, you might be wondering the same thing.

What I want you to know is this: there is no research to suggest that learning two languages causes speech delays, but bilingual toddlers often need a little more time and practice to sort out all those words. To be honest, it can sometimes be a challenge to tell whether a child has a true speech delay or is just taking a bit longer because they're learning two languages. Let me explain why.

How Bilingual Toddlers Learn Language

Let's start by looking at the development behind language in bilingual homes. Here is how I picture the language experience of a young child in general: Imagine your toddler's brain as an office where each learned word is a piece of paper. There's a paper over there for "ball" and another across the way for "milk." As their understanding grows, so do the papers on the floor.

At this point, they need to organize all this new information, so they get a filing cabinet. They start by just tossing the papers in there, but eventually they get file folders to start sorting different words. This is a challenging enough task for any child, let alone one from a bilingual home, because they have TWO filing cabinets that need to be organized -- one for English and one say for Spanish. As a result, they need more time and practice. Does that make sense?

And there are MANY well documented benefits for young children in learning two (or more!) languages. Research suggests that children from bilingual homes show stronger cognitive flexibility and executive functioning skills. Executive functioning skills help us manage our thoughts, actions and emotions. They include things like planning, problem-solving, impulse control and working memory. Strong executive functioning skills help children learn, make decisions and handle social situations. What parent doesn't want that?! And despite early worries about speech delays, bilingual kids often catch up to, and even surpass, their monolingual peers in language.

Teaching a second language is also about so much more than communication. It's a way to preserve cultural identity. Passing on your native language connects your child to their heritage, traditions and family roots. It's a gift that goes beyond words.

Every Child Learns at Their Own Pace

It's equally important to understand our children's unique wiring (how they experience the world), because it can help us identify the best way to teach them.

• Cautious or slow-to-warm toddlers may take longer to start using a new language, especially with new people or in a new place like school.
• Your own nervous system matters too. It's natural to worry when your child seems behind. Try to keep language time light and fun, because toddlers pick up on our stress.

Strategies: How to Support Your Bilingual Toddler

Here are some simple strategies you can incorporate into daily routines to support your bilingual learner:

• Keep each conversation in one language. During conversations, stick to one language, either English or the second language. Avoid mixing them within sentences, as it can confuse your child's language "filing" process. Consistency helps them organize language.
• Think big picture. Consider the language you want your child to use in the most important settings. I always ask parents, "What language do you want to be speaking during family dinners?" If the answer is Spanish, for example, then that is the language to focus on with your child. Young language learners need to understand how language helps them express wants and needs and connect with others. If you mostly speak one language at home, say French, but you and your partner are both fluent in English and want your child to learn it too, I suggest starting with the language they hear the most to help get their language lights turned up.
• Trust that school language will come. If your child will be going to an English-speaking school, they will pick up on that language QUICKLY. Young children's brains are wired to learn language. When I worked in preschool classrooms, I saw many children who heard one language at home come to school and, within two months, pick up on directions and simple words and phrases.
• Infuse language into routines. Daily routines are one of the BEST teaching tools you have as a parent. If you have a pretty even split of, say, English and Spanish at home, it can help to give certain routines a language. For example, speak only Spanish during meals and only English during baths. Hearing language within a whole routine makes it easier for your child to learn.
• Keep it fun. Keep language learning light and enjoyable. Skip the corrections and celebrate their attempts. If they mix languages, gently model the phrase back to them.

I go more in depth on this topic in my YouTube video. You can watch it here.

If you want to know more about what you can do to support your child's language at home, check out my How to Get Your Toddler Talking course. It's filled with strategies to get your child from no words to simple sentences.

If you have concerns about your child's speech or language development, reach out to your local early intervention program. You can find your state's program here.

The Bottom Line

Learning two languages doesn't cause a speech delay, but bilingual toddlers have two "filing cabinets" to organize, so they often need more time and practice. Cautious toddlers may take longer to use a new language, and keeping our own worry in check helps keep language time fun. Sticking to one language per conversation, focusing on the language your family uses most and giving routines a language all make it easier for your child to sort it out. With patience and consistency, your child is building a strong foundation that will serve them for life.

Quick Answers

Does being bilingual cause a speech delay? No. Bilingual toddlers may need a little more time because they're learning two sets of words, but being bilingual doesn't cause a speech delay.

Should I stop speaking my native language to help my toddler talk? No. Focus on the language your family uses most, especially in everyday routines like meals. Your child will pick up the school language quickly once they start.

How do I know if my bilingual toddler has a true speech delay? It can be hard to tell. If you have concerns, contact your local early intervention program for an evaluation.

Want to know what to look for at each age? Grab my free Speech Milestones Checklist.

All my best, Jill

Jill Urbane, LCSW, is an early childhood interventionist with nearly three decades of experience working in the homes of families with young children.