Science and Bilingulism: Common Myths Debunked

Have you ever worried that speaking two languages might confuse your child? You’re definitely not alone. Parents often get mixed messages about bilingualism, especially from well-meaning relatives, teachers, or even doctors. The good news is that the science is clear: learning two languages is not confusing or harmful. 

More than half of the world is bilingual! That means most people grow up understanding and using more than one language in their daily lives. Some kids might feel stronger in one language than another depending on who they talk to, what school they go to, or even what shows they watch. Bilingualism is a journey, it changes and grows over time. It is not something that’s “done” at a certain age. 

Two Types of Bilinguals: 

There are two ways children become bilingual: 

1. Simultaneous bilinguals: This refers to a child who is exposed to two or more languages from birth or before they turn three. They hear both languages in meaningful ways during playtime and meals.
   
   
2. Sequential bilinguals: This refers to a child who learns a second language after they’ve already started speaking their first one, usually after age three or four. A common example is a child who speaks Spanish at home but learns English when they start school. These children are considered Second Language Learners. 

No matter how your child becomes bilingual, the benefits are undeniable. According to the U.S. In the Department of Education, bilingualism can boost focus, memory, multitasking, and problem solving skills. Learning more than one language helps children think more flexibly and see the world in a bigger way. 

Common Myths: 

Myth #1: Learning more than one language will confuse or delay a child’s language development. 

FACT: This is an old myth that research has long disproven. It may still be common to hear this myth but the research is solid: being bilingual does not cause speech or language delays. 

Here’s something that may happen: some bilingual children may go through a "silent period”, when they are first learning a new language. During this time, they may talk less as they listen and figure out how the new language works. This is typical and temporary. It’s actually a sign your child is learning! 

It’s also important to know that this is not the same thing as being a “late talker”. Late talkers are children between 18-30 months who are not using many words yet, but still understand language well. For bilingual kids going through a “silent period”, it’s beneficial to give them time, support, and lots of chances to hear and use both languages. 

Myth #2: I can’t raise bilingual children if I only speak one language. 

FACT: You absolutely can! You don’t have to be bilingual yourself because what matters most is exposure and opportunity. A child may have a strong understanding of their home language but only have opportunities to practice their second language. Children learn best when they feel supported and proud of who they are. Once they see you value bilingualism, they will value it too! 

If raising a bilingual child is important to you, you can: 

• Use your home language everyday.
  • Create opportunities for your child to practice the home language in their daily activities like reading stories, cooking together, or singing songs. 
• Create a plan. 
  • Talk to your partner,  family, or caregivers about when and how each language will be used. For example, maybe grandparents always speak Spanish while parents use English for schoolwork. Consistency is key! 
• Learn together. 
  • Talk to your child about what it means to be bilingual and why it’s special. You can watch this short video Being Bilingual is My Superpower from Colorín Colorado. It’s fun, empowering and available in many languages. 

Myth #3: Mixing languages means a child is delayed.

FACT: Mixing languages, also called code-switching, is actually a sign of strength, not confusion! For example, if your child says “yo quiero chips” (mixing Spanish and English) or “you gonna be grounded six days” (mixing English and African American English), they are showing that they can use words from both languages to get their message across. A beautiful example of smart and flexible thinking! 

Code- switching is very common among bilingual speakers and it should not be discouraged. 

It shows that your child understands the rules of both languages and can move between them depending on who they’re talking to. Switching between languages is also part of cultural identity. Many bilingual kids switch languages to fit in with their peers, show respect to elders, and maintain their overall safety. 

Linguistic researcher Dr. Jose Medina talks a lot about this on his TikTok, celebrating the power of Spanglish and other blended ways of speaking. Instead of correcting your child for code-switching, celebrate it! It is a strength and a reflection of their deep understanding of their language and culture. 

Why Does Bilingulism Matter? 

Being bilingual is more than just words, it’s about connection. It’s about connecting with your community, understanding family stories, and being able to talk to grandparents. When children grow up being bilingual, they learn new ways to see not only the world but themselves. 

So if someone tries to tell you that speaking two languages might confuse your child, you can smile and say “Actually, research says it helps my child thrive”. 

Supporting bilingualism at home doesn’t require perfect fluency. What’s important is intention, encouragement, and daily opportunities to practice. Every conversation, song, and story you read counts. 

Your family’s language is part of your identity, honoring and making space for each language keeps them alive. Share them proudly and you will see our child’s confidence grow along with their creative minds.