Multilingual Kids: Distinguishing between myths and truths

By Marta Prieto

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May 20, 2020

Contents

Introduction

Myth 1: Bilingual Children Get Confused

Myth 2: Speech Delay is Caused by Multilingualism

Myth 3: Children Can’t Learn a Second Language While Mastering Their First

Bilingualism and Language Mixing: A Normal Part of Development

The Cognitive Benefits of Multilingualism

Raising Multilingual Children in a New Community

Bilingual Meaning and the Multilingual Experience

Multilingualism: Beyond the Myths

Conclusion

Introduction

Raising multilingual kids comes with many myths. Some say it confuses them, delays speech, or harms academics. Others think kids can’t learn a second language while mastering their first. These beliefs have stopped many parents, but the truth is—they’re just myths.

Research shows being bilingual or multilingual has many benefits, like better thinking, social, and cultural skills. Bilingual kids often solve problems better and think more flexibly. Let’s debunk myths and define raising multilingual children.

If you’re wondering how to introduce Spanish to your child at home, starting with everyday conversation and consistent exposure is key to making the language a natural part of their daily life.

Myth 1: Bilingual Children Get Confused

One of the most persistent myths is that bilingual children get confused when exposed to multiple languages. The truth is that children are incredibly adaptable. They have the cognitive ability to process and tell apart between languages from a very young age. Research has found that bilingual babies can distinguish between their languages even before they start speaking.

The OPOL (One Person, One Language) approach works well, with each parent speaking a different language to the child. It gives consistent exposure and helps kids separate the languages. Despite myths, this method doesn’t cause speech delays.

Kids mix languages because they’re learning multiple words and languages. For example, they might use a Spanish word while speaking English if it’s the word they know best. This is normal when learning more than one language.

Myth 2: Speech Delay is Caused by Multilingualism

Another common belief is that raising a child with multiple languages causes speech delays. This is one of the biggest myths . Speech delay occurs for a variety of reasons, and it is not exclusive to bilingual or multilingual children. If a child has a speech delay, it will often manifest in all the languages they are learning, not just one.

The truth is, knowing multiple languages doesn’t cause speech delay. Language development timelines vary among children, regardless of whether they are monolingual or multilingual. Some children are simply late bloomers when it comes to talking. Once they start speaking, bilingual kids often catch up quickly, sometimes even surpassing their monolingual peers in language skills.

The Ugly Truth: The misconception linking speech delay to language confusion has caused unnecessary worry for many parents. It’s essential to recognize that speech delays can happen, but they are unrelated to bilingualism or multilingualism.

Myth 3: Children Can’t Learn a Second Language While Mastering Their First

Some people believe that children must first master their primary language before they can begin learning another. However, this mythology doesn’t align with the science of language acquisition. In reality, young children are like sponges when it comes to learning languages.

The earlier a child learns multiple languages, the better. During early childhood, the brain is highly adaptable and wired for language learning. Multilingual children often develop strong cognitive skills, such as better memory, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities.

The Ugly Truth: Waiting to introduce a second language can result in missed opportunities. Adults often struggle more than children to learn a new language because their brains are less flexible. Starting early is key to fostering fluency.

Bilingualism and Language Mixing: A Normal Part of Development

Parents sometimes worry when their bilingual child mixes languages during a conversation. For example, a child might say, “I want una manzana” (“I want an apple”). This phenomenon, known as code-switching, is perfectly normal and doesn’t indicate confusion.

Truth Be Told: Language mixing is a natural part of learning multiple languages. Children mix languages when they lack a specific word in one language or when one word feels more familiar. Over time, as their vocabulary in each language grows, the mixing decreases.

The Ugly Truth: Language mixing is often misunderstood as a sign of linguistic struggle. In reality, it’s a clever strategy that demonstrates a child’s ability to navigate multiple linguistic systems.

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The Cognitive Benefits of Multilingualism

Learning two or more languages doesn’t just equip children with linguistic skills—it also enhances their cognitive abilities. Bilingual and multilingual children tend to excel in tasks that require focus, attention, and problem-solving. Their brains are constantly switching between languages, which strengthens their cognitive control systems.

Myth vs. Reality: Some think bilingual kids struggle in school. But, studies show they often excel at creativity and problem-solving.

The Ugly Truth: The misconception that multilingualism hinders cognitive development can prevent parents from raising multilingual children. In truth, the cognitive advantages are undeniable and well-documented.

Raising Multilingual Children in a New Community

Moving to a new country where the community language is different can be intimidating for parents raising multilingual children. Many fear that speaking their heritage language at home will disadvantage their child at school.

Truth Be Told: Children are highly adaptable and can learn the community language quickly while maintaining their heritage language. Speaking the heritage language at home gives children the lifelong gift of bilingualism or multilingualism.

For example, Western expats in Hong Kong worry their kids will fall behind in school because of language differences. But these kids usually adapt well to the new language and keep using their home language. Multiple languages improves their skills.

Bilingual Meaning and the Multilingual Experience

What does it mean to be bilingual or multilingual? It’s more than just speaking two or more languages. It’s about navigating different cultures, embracing diversity, and developing unique ways of thinking. The experience is rich and rewarding, offering children the opportunity to connect with people from various backgrounds.

Multilingualism: Beyond the Myths

Multilingualism extends the benefits of bilingualism even further. Children exposed to three or more languages develop exceptional cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness. The truth is that raising a multilingual child is one of the best gifts a parent can offer

Truth Be Told: Multilingualism is not only possible but also incredibly beneficial. It fosters open-mindedness, adaptability, and global citizenship.

Conclusion

Raising bilingual or multilingual children comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. From fears of speech delay to concerns about language confusion, parents are often bombarded with conflicting advice. However, the evidence is clear: bilingualism and multilingualism are not only achievable but also incredibly advantageous.

Truth be told, the ugly truth about these myths is that they are rooted in outdated beliefs and misunderstandings. The reality is that bilingual and multilingual children are not disadvantaged but enriched by their linguistic experiences. Parents can open the door to a world of opportunities for their children, helping them thrive in an increasingly globalized society.

So, let’s move beyond the myths and celebrate the truth about raising multilingual children. It’s a journey worth taking, filled with challenges, rewards, and the beauty of connecting across languages and cultures.

Marta Prieto

Management Team

Marta Prieto, Director of Academics at Comligo, combines a strong academic background with entrepreneurial experience. She previously founded and led De La Mano Spanish, a successful Spanish school in Asia. Passionate about language education, Marta prioritizes motivation, communication, and interaction to ensure Comligo’s programs provide engaging and effective Spanish learning experiences.