OK, in short, the truth is… the effects of bilingualism on children with or without a speech delay are very positive. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! There have been decades of research to prove that regardless of a present speech delay, bilingualism is a benefit to children. Now let me share with you three reasons to teach your child to be bilingual even if they have a speech delay.
3 Reasons to Teach Your Child to Be Bilingual
1. It honors your culture and allows for meaningful connections between your child and their relatives.
When you raise bilingual children who can speak the language of extended family and friends abroad you help important relationships and cherished traditions to pass from generation to generation.
2. Bilingualism promotes increased cognitive skills.
It boosts problem-solving and multitasking skills. Children who speak more than one language at home tend to be more creative and better able to focus.
3. It helps with future professional success.
Bilinguals are more likely to get hired for jobs. Speaking another language is always an asset in the workplace.
Being able to speak more than one language will bring to your child wonderful advantages and opportunities. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise!
Bilingualism and Speech Delay: Your Next Steps
Is your child being raised in a bilingual home and is showing signs of speech-language delay? Parents should first contact a speech-language pathologist who is trained in servicing culturally and linguistically diverse children. If a bilingual speech therapist is not readily available, you may need an interpreter.
Guidelines for best practice suggest that evaluation and treatment in a child’s home language help build a stronger foundation for further speech and language development.
The earlier you get in touch with a speech-language pathologist, the sooner you can get your child the treatment they need to develop their language skills.
Content for both this post and the associated video is adapted from Should You Stop Speaking to Your Child in Your Native or Preferred Language? written by Eveline de Castro.
Eveline de Castro
M.S., CCC-SLP
Looking for more help? Consider my online course, How to Teach a Toddler to Talk, which is now available with English and Spanish subtitles.