By the age of two, children are typically able to say a few hundred words.
Like many parents, we questioned if we were doing something wrong.
This post originally appeared onThe Conversation.
Our concerns grew as we watched younger kids overtake his speaking ability.
(Even experts cant escape the fear and guilt that comes with being a parent).
A number of enduring myths surround bilingualism, such as that it causes language delays and cognitive impairments.
However, research shows that raising a child bilingually does not cause language learning difficulties.
Any lag in language development is temporary, so parents shouldnt worry!
But more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms that are responsible.
My Child Will Confuse the Two Languages
False.
Although there is some controversy concerning when the languages become separated.
Recent evidence suggests that thelanguages may separate a lot earlier than was previously thought.
This suggests that babies are sensitive to who they are talking to from a very young age.
This is probably a precursor of code-switching (when bilinguals use two languages within the same utterance).
It is very important that both languages serve a functional purpose.
Language is, after all, a tool for communication.
If the child does not need to use the other language, they will probably stop using it.
Many parents worry about the issue of balance, meaning whether a child knows both languages equally well.
I conducted a series of studies on very proficient bilingualsand observed time and againthateven fluent bilingualshave adominant language.
Parents commonly become concerned when bilingual children mix their languages.
This is a normal part of bilingual language development and not a sign of confusion.
Even proficient bilingualsmix their languages.
Bilingual children may present with language delays, just like any other children.
If your child has a language delay, early intervention may be required to help them learn their languages.
Disclosure: Mark Antoniou receives funding from the Australian Research Council.
Image adapted fromAnastasiaSonneandzphoto(Shutterstock).
