Debunking Common Myths About Multilingual Language Development

Have you ever heard that raising a child with multiple languages will confuse them? Or that learning more than one language can delay speech? These myths, and many others, have been around for years, creating worry for parents and caregivers. 

The truth is, multilingualism is not a barrier to language development—it’s an asset. Research consistently shows that learning multiple languages strengthens cognitive skills, enhances communication abilities, and provides long-term academic and social benefits. In this post, we will debunk some of the most common myths about multilingual language development and explain what science has found over the years. Whether you’re raising a bilingual child, working with multilingual learners, or simply curious about how our brains manage multiple languages, we can provide clarity and evidence-based insights. 

Myth #1: Learning Multiple Language Confuses Children 

Truth: Research has consistently shown that children are fully capable of learning multiple languages from birth without confusion. The human brain is naturally equipped to acquire more than one language, and young children do this effortlessly when given regular exposure. Studies indicate that even infants can differentiate between two languages and adjust their use based on their conversational partner. As they develop proficiency, children can easily separate languages without difficulty. A common concern is language mixing, or code-switching, where bilingual children switch between languages within a conversation (e.g., using English and Spanish interchangeably). However, code-switching is a normal and beneficial behavior, not a sign of confusion. Rather, it reflects a sophisticated ability to navigate both linguistic systems effectively. Beyond language differentiation, multilingual exposure also brings cognitive advantages. Research suggests that multilingual children develop stronger problem-solving skills, enhanced cognitive flexibility, and better executive function abilities compared to their monolingual peers. Thus, rather than causing confusion, learning multiple languages enriches cognitive and linguistic development (Volterra & Taeschner, 1978). 

Myth #2: Languages Should be Learned One at a Time 

Truth: There is no scientific basis for the idea that languages should be learned sequentially. The brain is fully capable of handling multiple languages at once, and many people successfully acquire multiple languages simultaneously, especially when exposed to them naturally. Additionally, there is no “critical confusion period” in which the brain must complete learning one language before starting another. On the contrary, early exposure to multiple languages enhances linguistic proficiency later in life, making it easier for individuals to acquire and use multiple languages fluently. Far from causing confusion, learning multiple languages at the same time provides cognitive and social benefits. Research shows that children learning multiple languages do not experience delays compared to their monolingual peers. While they may develop each language differently, their overall language abilities remain strong. In fact, simultaneous bilingualism can lead to better language skills overall, as children develop advanced abilities in distinguishing sounds, understanding grammar structures, and communicating effectively (Byers-Heinlein, Morin-Lessard, & Lew-Williams, 2017). 

Myth #3: Multilingualism Causes Speech Delays 

Truth: There is no evidence that multilingualism causes speech delays. Research indicates that bilingual children achieve language development milestones, such as first words and phrases, within the typical range observed in monolingual children. While bilingual children might initially have a smaller vocabulary in each language, their total vocabulary across all languages is often larger. Bilingual children might have different patterns of language use, but they develop language within the normal range. It is common for them to use some words in one language before knowing them in another, but this does not indicate a delay. Importantly, speech and language delays are unrelated to bilingual exposure—if a child has a language delay, they will experience it regardless of whether they are learning one or multiple languages. Multilingualism does not cause or exacerbate speech disorders. In fact, bilingualism strengthens language processing and enhances overall communication skills. Studies show that bilingual children develop greater metalinguistic awareness, meaning they have a deeper understanding of how language works. This advantage supports reading development and makes learning additional languages easier. Additionally, bilingualism facilitates social and cultural connections, enriching a child's ability to engage with diverse communities (Ngadjen & Patty, 2024). 

Based on the latest research, we find that instead of causing delays or confusion, learning multiple languages provides cognitive, academic, and social advantages. And so, parents and educators can and should embrace multilingualism — knowing that children have an incredible ability to acquire and manage multiple languages naturally.

If you are raising a multilingual child or learning a new language yourself, trust the science—multilingualism is a gift, not a barrier! 

Sources 

Byers-Heinlein, K., Morin-Lessard, E., & Lew-Williams, C. (2017). Bilingual infants control their languages as they listen. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 114(34), 9032-9037. doi:10.1073/pnas.1703220114 

Ngadjen, S., & Patty, J. (2024). The concept of bilingualism and its impact towards child language development. MATAI: International Journal of Language Education, 4(2), 150-156. doi:10.30598/matail.v4i2.12678  

Volterra, V., & Taeschner, T. (1978). The acquisition and development of language by bilingual children. Journal of Child Language, 5(2), 311–326. doi:10.1017/S0305000900007492