Research shows that children can distinguish between two languages from an early age. Learning multiple languages does not cause speech and language disorders.

Why does this matter?

As your child learns multiple languages, some typical aspects of bilingual language acquisition may stand out. For instance, you might wonder why your child is often silent in conversation. This is actually a normal characteristic of bilingual language learning, known as the “silent period,” which is common when children are processing and learning a new language.

On the other hand, it’s also possible that genuine speech and language issues in bilingual children might be dismissed as normal when they actually require speech therapy. It’s important to differentiate between typical bilingual development and potential speech or language disorders.