Written by Andree-Anne Morrissey, SLP
To be bilingual or not to be bilingual?
That is the question many parents have when it comes to whether to raise their children speaking more than one language.
Research indicates that, worldwide, bilingualism/multilingualism is more common than monolingualism (Genesee, 2007). In fact, there are many benefits to bilingualism. An article by Trautner (2019) found that learning a second language in early childhood improved a variety of skills, including: cognitive flexibility, critical thinking skills, creativity, attention, and concentration into adulthood, and delayed the onset of Alzheimer’s. An article by Tabellion (2024) reported that bilingual children had stronger multitasking skills and better memory. They also tended to have stronger social skills and were better at processing information, which translated into more ease with problem solving, reading comprehension, and learning in general. Later in life, bilingualism is a benefit when applying to jobs, especially on a national or international level.
When children present with speech and language delays, families often wonder if it is best to focus on only one language. The Speech-Audiology Canada Position Statement “Learning an Additional Language in the Context of Language Disorder” shared research that whether a child was monolingual with a language disorder or bilingual with a language disorder, language outcomes were similar, so long as they were provided with a proper learning environment. This suggests that bilingualism does not delay language development, even in the presence of language disorder. Some families may wonder if it is best to give up their mother tongue in support of the communally spoken language or may have been counselled to do so; however, research has also not supported this. In fact, research has shown that having a strong dominant language helps with the development of a second language.
There are also additional benefits to maintaining a maternal language, such as:
- Preserving cultural identity
- Maintaining family connections (e.g. with grandparents who only speak the maternal language)
- Providing a cognitive foundation for language development
Additionally, parents can provide their child with a more robust language model when speaking in their native language, creating a stronger base for learning a second language. Learning the communal language as a second language supports social and academic integration.
The important thing to consider is that the child is exposed consistently to each language. Research suggests that a child should be exposed to a minority language at least 30-40% of the time to understand the vocabulary (Genesee, 2007; Thordardottir, 2011), and up to 60% of the time to properly use the vocabulary (Thordardottir, 2011).
In the end, each family will decide what is best for them. But so long as both languages are well supported, there is strong evidence that bilingualism is a boon for children. Bilingualism also does not cause language delays, even in children who present with language disorders. So go ahead, speak multiple languages in the home and don’t be afraid to use your mother tongue! Good luck! Bonne chance! Buena suerte!
References:
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (2021). Position Statement: Learning an Additional Language in the Context of Language Disorder [PDF]. Speech-Language & Audiology Canada. https://www.sac-oac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Position_Statement_Learning_an_Additional_Language_in_the_Context_of_Language_Disorder_EN.pdf
Genesee, F. (2007). A Short Guide to Raising Children Bilingually. McGill University. https://www.psych.mcgill.ca/perpg/fac/genesee/A%20Short%20Guide%20to%20Raising%20Children%20Bilingually.pdf
Tabellion, Y. (2024, November 5). The Benefits of Bilingual Education: How Learning Two Languages Helps Kids Thrive. FISW. https://www.fisw.org/post/the-benefits-of-bilingual-education-how-learning-two-languages-helps-kids-thrive
Thordardottir, E. (2011). The relationship between bilingual exposure and vocabulary development. International Journal of Bilingualism, 15(4), 426-445. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006911403202
Trautner, T. (2019, January 28). Advantages of a bilingual brain. Michigan State University. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/advantages_of_a_bilingual_brain