The short answer: No. Learning two or more languages does not cause speech or language delay. Bilingual children reach their milestones at a similar pace to children learning one language, especially when you count words across both languages. If a bilingual child has a genuine delay, it will usually show in both languages, and it is worth getting help rather than dropping a language.
In Doha, it is common for a child to hear Arabic from one parent, English from another, a third language from a nanny and yet another at nursery. When that child is slow to talk, families are often told to stop using one of the languages.
That advice is outdated, and it can do more harm than good.
What Does the Research Say?
Speech-language professionals agree that bilingualism itself does not cause confusion or language delay. This is true even for children with a developmental delay or a diagnosis such as autism or Down syndrome. Language delays can still happen in bilingual children, just as they do in children learning one language, but the second language is not the cause.
What Is Normal for Bilingual Children?
- Mixing languages. Using words from both languages in one sentence, called code-switching, is a normal part of bilingual development.
- A smaller vocabulary in each language. Bilingual children spread their words across two languages. Count words in both languages together.
- One stronger language. Most bilingual children have a dominant language that can shift over time.
- A quiet period. Children learning a new language, for example when starting an English-speaking nursery, may go quiet for a while as they listen and absorb.
Signs of a Real Speech Delay in a Bilingual Child
- Difficulties appear in all the languages your child hears, not just one
- Your child is not babbling or using gestures by around 12 months
- They are not attempting any words in any language by around 2 years
- Speech is very hard to understand, even in their strongest language
- They struggle to understand simple instructions in their home language
- They have lost words or skills they used to have
Should We Drop a Language?
Usually not. Dropping a language does not fix an underlying delay, and it can weaken your child’s connection with grandparents and wider family. Children learn language best from people who speak to them fluently and warmly, so keep speaking the language you are most comfortable in. Your speech therapist can help you plan how to use each language.
Practical Tips for Multilingual Homes
- Use the language you know best when you talk, read and play with your child
- Give your child plenty of rich, everyday conversation in each language
- Read books and sing songs in your home language
- Share with your child’s nursery which languages are used at home
- Keep a simple list of the words your child uses in every language
Speech Delay Help in Doha
If you are worried, the first step is a speech and language assessment. At Mind Institute, our children’s speech and language therapists work in English and in Arabic, including the Qatari dialect, so your child can be assessed and supported in the language used at home. You may also find our guide on speech delay vs autism helpful.
Worried about your bilingual child’s talking? Request an appointment and get clear, practical advice.
FAQs
No. Bilingualism does not cause speech or language delay. Bilingual children reach milestones at a similar pace when words in both languages are counted together.
Yes. Mixing languages, known as code-switching, is a normal part of bilingual development.
Usually not. Dropping a language does not fix the delay and can reduce your child’s connection with family. A speech therapist can advise you on using each language.
Mind Institute in Ain Khaled, Doha, offers speech and language assessments and therapy for children in English and Arabic, including the Qatari dialect.
Contact Mind Institute Therapy Clinic
Mind Institute Therapy Clinic, licensed by Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health
Building No. 72, Zone 56, Street 728, Wadi Lubara Street, Ain Khaled, Doha, Qatar
- Call / WhatsApp: +974 3337 7648
- Landline: +974 4418 1968
- Email: info@mindinstituteqatar.com
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm (closed Friday and Saturday)
Request an appointment online or message us on WhatsApp.
Sources
- Burnaby School District Speech-Language Pathology, Learning two languages in childhood does not cause confusion or language delay