Bilingualism

What is bilingualism?

We refer to children who understand 2 or more languages as ‘bilingual.’

Does it have any benefits in language development?

Yes. Children with bilingualism have opportunities to communicate with their extended family and community and experience different cultures. It can also increase their confidence.

Good foundation skills in one language can support learning an additional language. There’s no evidence that bilingual children speak later than children who only speak one language.

Bilingualism does not increase or decrease the chances of a child having speech or language difficulties.

Tips and strategies to support a bilingual child

Use your home language(s) with your child

This may be the language you feel most comfortable with and will provide the best language model for your child.

If children know the home language(s) well, it’ll help them learn an additional
language.

Use both languages daily

Your child will need interaction in both languages on a daily, or almost daily basis. This should include talking, reading and playing and not from TV or films.

Language develops through interaction. Children will develop a language if they
feel they need it. Interacting with others creates that need.

Encourage your child to feel proud of their languages

This will help them to develop a strong cultural identity. Make sure your child knows the name of the languages they use.

Tell stories

Share nursery rhymes, books songs and stories in your child’s home language(s).

Mix different languages

If you speak two languages it’s ok to mix different languages in the same sentence. It’s natural among bilingual speakers and will not cause language difficulties.