One of the most common concerns I hear from parents in multicultural communities is:

“My child is not talking yet. Should we stop speaking our home language and only speak English?”

The answer is no.

Many families worry that hearing two languages may confuse their child or cause speech delay. This is one of the most common myths about bilingual development, but it is not supported by evidence.

For many children, growing up bilingual is a normal part of development. Learning a family language allows children to communicate with parents, grandparents and their wider community while also developing English through childcare, preschool, school and everyday life.

The myth: Two languages cause speech delay

Research shows that learning more than one language does not cause speech or language delay. Children exposed to two languages develop communication skills through the same developmental process as other children, although their language development may look different.

One important difference is that bilingual children’s words are spread across the languages they hear. A child who uses two languages may know different words in each language depending on who they speak with and where they use that language.

This means parents and professionals should consider a child’s overall communication across all languages, not just English words alone.

Should parents stop speaking their home language?

No.

Parents should continue speaking the language they are most comfortable and confident using. Children learn language through warm, meaningful interactions, conversations during daily activities, storytelling, songs, reading and play.

For many families, their strongest emotional connection with their child is through their first language. A parent sharing stories in Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi or another language provides valuable opportunities for communication and connection.

Speaking a family language at home does not prevent children from learning English. In fact, maintaining a strong foundation in the first language can support learning additional languages.

Is mixing languages a sign of confusion?

Many bilingual children mix languages when they speak.

A child may use words from two languages in the same sentence or choose different languages depending on who they are talking to. This is a normal part of bilingual development and is not a sign that the child is confused.

Over time, children learn which language to use in different situations.

When should parents seek help?

Bilingual children can still experience speech or language difficulties. The important point is that an underlying language difficulty often affects communication across all languages the child uses, not just English.

Parents should seek advice if their child:

  • is not using words or gestures to communicate as expected
  • is not combining words into short phrases around two years of age
  • has difficulty understanding simple instructions
  • becomes frustrated because they cannot communicate
  • loses words or skills they previously had

A GP, child health nurse, paediatrician or speech pathologist can help assess a child’s communication development and provide guidance if needed. Early assessment allows families to access appropriate support as soon as possible.

Supporting your child’s home language

Parents do not need complicated strategies. Simple everyday activities are often the most effective:

  • talk with your child in your home language regularly
  • read books and tell stories in your first language
  • sing songs and play games using your family language
  • involve grandparents and extended family
  • create regular opportunities for your child to hear and use the language

The Raising Children Network provides practical advice for families raising bilingual and multilingual children, including ideas for supporting language development through play, stories and everyday conversations.

Australia is a multicultural country, and many children grow up successfully speaking two or more languages.

The message for families is simple: speaking more than one language does not cause speech delay. Continue speaking the language that feels natural for your family. If you have concerns about your child’s communication, seek advice early — but do not give up the language that connects your child with their family and culture.

Further reading

Raising Children Network – Raising bilingual children: tips
https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/connecting-communicating/bilingualism-multilingualism/raising-bilingual-children-tips