Bilingualism and multilingualism: guide for speech therapists
Bilingualism affects more than half of the world's population. Far from being an obstacle to development, it presents numerous cognitive and cultural advantages. For speech therapists, it is essential to distinguish normal characteristics of bilingual development from a true language disorder, and to support families without pushing them to abandon their mother tongue.
🌍 Resources for multilingual support
Adapted tools, family advice, multilingual materials
Access tools →📋 Table of contents
Definitions and types of bilingualism
Definition
Anyone who regularly uses two languages in their daily life is considered bilingual. It is not necessary to master both languages perfectly at the same level.
Types of bilingualism
- Simultaneous bilingualism: exposure to both languages from birth
- Sequential/successive bilingualism: acquisition of L2 after L1 (after 3 years)
- Balanced bilingualism: equivalent skills in both languages (rare)
- Dominant bilingualism: one language stronger than the other (most common)
Bilingual language development
Bilingual children follow the same developmental stages as monolinguals, but with some normal particularities:
Normal characteristics
- Total vocabulary equivalent (adding both languages)
- Vocabulary per language sometimes lower than monolinguals
- Language mixing (code-switching): normal and sign of competence
- Interference: transfers from one language to another (accent, structures)
- Preference for one language depending on contexts
💡 Language mixing is not a problem
Code-switching (switching from one language to another within a conversation) is normal behavior in bilinguals, including competent adults. It demonstrates mastery of both linguistic systems, not confusion. The child adapts to their interlocutor.
Advantages of bilingualism
- Cognitive advantages: cognitive flexibility, selective attention, executive functions
- Linguistic advantages: increased metalinguistic awareness, ease in learning other languages
- Cultural advantages: access to two cultures, rich identity
- Family advantages: communication with extended family
- Professional advantages: asset in the job market
Misconceptions about bilingualism
❌ Myths to debunk
- "Bilingualism causes language delays" → FALSE: development is similar
- "One language must be abandoned if the child has a disorder" → FALSE: the disorder exists in both languages, abandoning a language doesn't help
- "Language mixing is a sign of confusion" → FALSE: it's a skill
- "French must be spoken at home to succeed at school" → FALSE: a solid L1 promotes L2 acquisition
Assessment of bilingual children
Principles
- Assess both languages if possible (with interpreter if necessary)
- Compare to bilingual peers, not only to monolinguals
- Collect language history: exposure, contexts of use
- Distinguish bilingual-related difference vs language disorder
Signs of disorder (vs difference)
A language disorder in a bilingual child manifests in both languages. If the child has difficulties only in the minority language or only in French, it's probably a question of exposure, not a disorder.
Speech therapy intervention
Key principles
- Never advise abandoning the mother tongue
- Therapy can be done in French, skills transfer
- Involve the family in their language(s)
- Value bilingualism as a richness
- Adapt tools and materials
Family advice
- Speak to the child in the language you master best
- Don't force the child to respond in a specific language
- Multiply opportunities for exposure to both languages
- Read books in both languages
- Contact with extended family, travel
Our downloadable tools
Frequently asked questions
No, it's normal. Language mixing (code-switching) is typical behavior and even a sign of bilingual competence. The child gradually learns to separate languages according to interlocutors. You can model by responding in the "target" language without explicitly correcting.
No, absolutely not. Research is clear: abandoning the mother tongue doesn't solve the disorder and can even harm (family bonds, self-esteem, identity). The disorder exists in both languages. Continue speaking your language, a solid L1 base helps L2 acquisition.
Not necessarily. If the speech therapist doesn't speak the family language, therapy in French is effective and skills transfer largely to the other language. The ideal is to involve the family so they stimulate the child in their language. If possible, assessments in both languages help with diagnosis.
