Multilingual Support at Home
Many families use more than one language at home. Multiple languages at home can provide a child with multiple ways to communicate! Whether this is spoken, written, or signed, access and support to each language is critical in helping your child absorb communication. It can be tricky navigating how to support multiple languages. When should each language be used? What if my child stops using one language? How do speech therapists support multi-lingual clients? Let’s talk about it!
How can we support two or more languages at home?
Consider establishing consistent language routines throughout the day. For example, L1 (language one) can be used during dinner time, while L2 (second language) may be used during bath time. Creating predictable routines for each language helps provide your child with regular, meaningful exposure to languages in natural contexts. Hearing repetitions of phrases provides your child with consistent models. This structured approach supports comprehension, vocabulary growth, and overall communication skills across languages. If other members of your household speak multiple languages, encourage them to follow the routines you’ve set. If not, still encourage language attempts across multiple communicators to give your child rich social and familial connection.
What happens if my child stops speaking one of the languages?
Multilingual children often present with "silent periods" when they are first learning a second language. Silent periods indicate the child is absorbing the second language, but the child is not yet verbalizing in the second language. Silent periods can be mistaken for language disorders if the child has recently begun learning a second language. The silent period can range from one to six months. If you are concerned with your child’s development and use of a second language, connect with a speech-language pathologist to determine if your child has a language difference or a language disorder.
What does is mean to have a “Language Difference” vs a “Language Disorder”?
A language difference refers to variation in speech or language that is influenced by cultural or regional factors. This can include differences in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially when a child is learning a second language. For example, a bilingual child might pronounce certain words differently due to influences from their first language. These differences are typical and expected among bilingual or multilingual learners.
In contrast, a language disorder involves difficulties that are not attributed to cultural or linguistic background. If a child is consistently showing language-related errors in both of their languages, it may indicate a language disorder rather than a difference. These errors would be present across both languages and affect the same language skills. For example, a child with a language disorder might have trouble following verbal directions in both Spanish and English. In such cases, further evaluation is needed to determine whether a disorder is present.
How does Grow With Words support bilingual/multilingual children?
At Grow With Words, we respect and build upon the skills of children from linguistically diverse homes. Our team encourages growth in all of the child’s languages to support their overall development. Through culturally responsive therapy, collaboration with families, and targeted language strategies, we help bilingual and multilingual clients thrive in all of their learning environments. We also encourage our families to be active participants in their child’s growth. This includes:
Using mixed media from each of the child’s languages (songs, books, TV shows, movies)
Playing games in each language
Creating routines for language around the home (e.g., using L1 during breakfast, L2 during dinner)
We honor and celebrate all languages and all forms of communication. Our goal is to ensure that every child has the tools to communicate confidently and thrive in linguistically diverse environments.
Growing with you,
Grow With Words Team
