The Benefits of Bilingual Early Education

Many parents wonder whether growing up with two languages will confuse their child or slow down their speech. Pediatricians and language scientists say it will not. This article covers what the evidence shows, the myths worth setting aside, and how to support two languages at home.

What the research says

• No delay, no confusion. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that using more than one language with infants and toddlers does not cause delays in communication development, and that learning more than one language does not confuse children. Its guide for parents is a good place to start.
• Babies tell their languages apart. In a research review titled Bilingualism in the Early Years: What the Science Says, Krista Byers-Heinlein and Casey Lew-Williams report that bilingual infants readily distinguish their two languages and show no evidence of confusion.
• Vocabulary adds up. When a bilingual child's words in both languages are counted together, the total is about the same as the vocabulary of a child who speaks one language.
• Possible extra benefits, with a caution. Some studies point to advantages in executive function and in understanding other people. The same review cautions that these advantages have mostly been shown with very sensitive laboratory methods, so they are not something to promise.
• Not more language difficulties. Bilingual children are not more likely than other children to have a language disorder. The review notes that bilingual development is sometimes misjudged as a delay when a child is measured as if they spoke only one language, so if you have a concern, look for a professional who is experienced with bilingual children.
• Conversation matters most. Language grows through interaction with people. The review points out that infants do not readily learn language from television, and that children who hear more words in a language develop that language more strongly.

Three myths to set aside

1. "Two languages will delay my child's speech." The AAP says no.
2. "Mixing languages means my child is confused." Switching between languages in one sentence, like "quiero más juice," is a normal part of bilingual development. By about age 3, children can usually tell their languages apart and use the one that fits the person they are talking to.
3. "We should stop using our home language once school starts." The AAP says no. Parents and caregivers should use the language or languages they are most comfortable with.

What a bilingual day can look like

At Bufi Preschool, English and Spanish are spoken naturally throughout the day across our infant, toddler and Pre-Kindergarten programs. You can see how each age group works on our programs page.

Supporting two languages at home

• Talk, sing and read together in the language you are most comfortable with. Live conversation does the heavy lifting.
• Add exposure with books, audiobooks and podcasts in each language. The AAP lists these as ways to support bilingual children, but they work best alongside conversation rather than instead of it.
• Keep your home language going after your child starts school. It supports your child's learning and your family's connection.

See it in a classroom

The easiest way to know whether a bilingual program is right for your family is to see one. Book a tour and watch how the day sounds.