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Advice for Parents/Carers of Bilingual Children acquiring their home language with no difficulties

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It is important that you continue to use all languages introduced to your child.  Do not be concerned about mixing different languages in one sentence.  This is a natural part of development for bilingual children.

 

Be consistent in your choice of words to name objects. 

 

The focus should be helping your child feel successful in giving and receiving a message.  Continue speaking your chosen language to your child even if he or she speaks back to you in a different language. If the child responds the message has been understood.

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  • Whichever language you decide to use, keep it simple.  

  • Use short phrases with lots of gesture and facial expression, as well as expression in your voice. This will help the child understand the meaning behind the words.

  • Encourage your child’s attempts to communicate in either language, giving lots of praise.

  • Use nursery rhymes and stories from any culture/language.

  • Advice from Speech and Language Therapy programmes can be given in any language.  Discuss this with your Speech & Language Therapist.

 

You may be concerned that if your child has not heard much English, he/she will be at a disadvantage when starting school. However, as long as your child has a strong foundation in their mother tongue, then there should be no difficulty learning English.

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The Speech & Language Therapy profession recognises that Bilingualism in a child is an advantage to learning.

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Suggested links for handouts and advice:

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