Bilingualism and Multilingualism: A Guide for Speech Therapists
Bilingualism concerns more than half of the world's population. Far from being an obstacle to development, it presents numerous cognitive and cultural advantages. For the speech therapist, it is essential to distinguish the 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, advice for families, multilingual resources
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Definitions and Types of Bilingualism
Definition
A person is considered bilingual if they regularly use two languages in their daily life. It is not necessary to master both languages 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 stages of development as monolinguals, but with some normal particularities:
Normal Characteristics
- Total Vocabulary equivalent (when adding both languages)
- Vocabulary per Language sometimes lower than monolinguals
- Language Mixing (code-switching): normal and a sign of competence
- Interferences: 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 a normal behavior among bilinguals, including competent adults. It reflects mastery of both linguistic systems, not confusion. The child adapts to their interlocutor.
Advantages of Bilingualism
- Cognitive Advantages: cognitive flexibility, selective attention, executive functions
- Language 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: an asset in the job market
Myths About Bilingualism
❌ Myths to Debunk
- "Bilingualism causes language delays" → FALSE: development is similar
- "One must abandon a language if the child has a disorder" → FALSE: the disorder exists in both languages, abandoning a language does not help
- "Language mixing is a sign of confusion" → FALSE: it is a skill
- "One must speak French at home to succeed in school" → FALSE: a strong L1 promotes L2 acquisition
Assessment of the Bilingual Child
Principles
- Assess both languages if possible (with an interpreter if necessary)
- Compare to bilingual peers, not just to monolinguals
- Gather the language history: exposure, contexts of use
- Distinguish difference related to bilingualism 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 is probably a matter of exposure, not a disorder.
Speech Therapy Intervention
Key Principles
- Never advise abandoning the mother tongue
- Rehabilitation can be done in French, the gains transfer
- Involve the family in their language(s)
- Value bilingualism as a richness
- Adapt tools and materials
Advice for Families
- Speak to the child in the language you master best
- Do not force the child to respond in a specific language
- Increase opportunities for exposure to both languages
- Read books in both languages
- Contact with extended family, travel
Our Downloadable Tools
🖼️ Daily Picture Dictionary
Universal images for vocabulary, usable in all languages.
Download📚 Semantic Category Cards
Lexical support adaptable to all languages.
Download📷 Sequential Images
Picture stories to work on narrative in all languages.
Download💬 Pictograms
Universal visual communication.
DownloadFrequently Asked Questions
No, it's normal. Language mixing (code-switching) is a typical behavior and even a sign of bilingual competence. The child gradually learns to separate the languages according to the interlocutors. You can model by responding in the "target" language without explicitly correcting.
No, absolutely not. Research is clear: abandoning the mother tongue does not resolve the disorder and can even be harmful (family ties, self-esteem, identity). The disorder exists in both languages. Continue to speak your language, a solid foundation in L1 helps L2 acquisition.
Not necessarily. If the speech therapist does not speak the family language, rehabilitation in French is effective and the gains largely transfer to the other language. Ideally, involve the family to stimulate the child in their language. If possible, assessments in both languages help with diagnosis.
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