The Truth About Kids Learning More Than One Language
Many parents wonder whether their child can successfully learn more than one language at the same time. The answer is yes—young children are actually well-equipped to become bilingual or even multilingual from an early age. Their brains are naturally wired to absorb language, and learning multiple languages at once can come more easily than it does for adults.
Still, the language development process might look different compared to monolingual children. Knowing what to expect can help parents stay calm and supportive.
How Do Bilingual Children Develop?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), most children say their first words around age one. By age two, they typically begin using two-word phrases—this may happen in one or both of their languages.
Bilingual children often code-mix, meaning they combine words or grammar from both languages in one sentence. This is completely normal. It doesn’t mean the child is confused—it’s just part of their learning process. Over time, they begin to separate the languages more clearly.
Will Learning Two Languages Cause a Delay?
Sometimes, bilingual children go through what’s called a silent period. During this phase, they may not speak much, especially in one of the languages. This doesn’t indicate a delay—it simply means the child is observing, listening, and processing.
Research shows that the total vocabulary of bilingual children (across both languages) is typically equal to or greater than that of monolingual children. Each child is different, and some may learn faster or slower than others. If parents are concerned, ASHA recommends that they speak to their child in the language they are most comfortable with and gradually adjust if needed.
Do Children Need Extra Support?
In some cases, hearing two languages without clear guidance can feel confusing. That’s why interaction is so important. Parents should talk, read, and sing with their children in both languages to help them understand the differences. You can also support your child by:
- Reading bilingual books
- Listening to music in both languages
- Watching videos designed for language learning
- Consulting a speech-language pathologist if needed
All of these strategies can help build confidence and understanding as your child grows.
What Are the Benefits of Being Bilingual?
Raising a bilingual child has lifelong benefits. Studies show that bilingual kids tend to have:
- Better focus and self-control
- Stronger problem-solving and flexible thinking skills
- Greater creativity and mental resilience
- Improved academic performance
- Stronger social and communication skills
- Better long-term mental health and cognitive reserve
Being able to speak multiple languages also helps children connect with more people and cultures, making them more empathetic and globally aware.
A Fun Way to Support Language Learning
If you’re looking for a structured, fun, and effective way to help your child learn a new language, Dinolingo offers online lessons for children ages 2–14. With over 50 languages, Dinolingo uses immersive cartoons, songs, games, and quizzes to keep kids engaged. The program includes offline materials, a parent dashboard, and a reward system to help your child stay motivated and track their progress.