Summary

The article debunks common myths about raising bilingual children, emphasizing that consistency in language exposure, not strict adherence to the "one parent, one language" rule, is key to successful bilingualism, and that mixing languages and potential slight speech delays are normal and not detrimental to language development.

Abstract

The author of the article shares personal insights and research findings on the misconceptions surrounding the upbringing of bilingual children. Initially overwhelmed by the responsibility of teaching her child two languages, the author dispels the myth that each parent must strictly adhere to speaking only one language to the child, known as OPOL (one parent, one language). Instead, she highlights that consistent exposure to the minority language, even with occasional mixing of languages, is sufficient for a child to become bilingual. The article also addresses the concern that mixing languages is harmful, explaining that this natural phenomenon, called code-mixing, is a sign of language mastery. Furthermore, the author refutes the idea that bilingualism causes speech delays, pointing out that any delay is typically within the normal range and often due to factors unrelated to bilingualism. The article concludes with the author's reassurance that children can enjoyably and effortlessly learn two languages without negative consequences, as long as parents approach the process without fear and pressure.

Opinions

The author initially felt apprehensive about the challenge of raising a bilingual child, fearing potential language confusion and social challenges for the child.
After researching child development and second language acquisition, the author found that the "one parent, one language" approach is not the only path to bilingualism and that consistent use of the minority language is key.
The author believes that mixing languages, or code-mixing, is an inevitable and positive aspect of bilingual language development.
The myth that bilingualism causes speech delay is unfounded, and any delay in bilingual children is usually within the expected range and not caused by learning two languages.
The author emphasizes the importance of a stress-free approach to teaching children two languages, suggesting that children can learn best when they are not pressured.

Debunking Three Myths About Raising Bilingual Kids

My initial lessons learnt on how not to lose a battle with the child and yourself

I started feeling like I was losing a battle that had barely begun.

Both my partner and I wanted our child to grow up bilingual. But it’s easier said than done. Because I — myself and I — would be the parent responsible for our little one’s bilingual skills. And it’s kind of daunting.

I also realised that I had a lot of fears associated with trying to teach my child two languages at the same time.

Will she be able to understand us?
Will she be able to make friends?
Will she be able to speak at all?
Will she feel uncomfortable and ashamed if she chooses the wrong language?

So I joined Facebook groups that deal with bringing up bilingual children. I started reading articles on child development and second language acquisition in particular. And I have debunked a few myths along the way. This new knowledge helped me to breathe a sigh of relief and continue to use both languages when talking to our little one.

Myth #1 One parent, one language

I did not look forward to teaching our child the minority language. It was because I convinced myself that if we want her to be bilingual, we had to follow OPOL. OPOL or — one parent, one language — teaches that one parent speaks one language only to the child. But the research shows that as long as you use the second or minority language consistently, the child will pick it up. So no need to worry if you end up using primary language with your child from time to time or mixing the two.

Learning that this was a myth was such a relief for me. My husband does not speak my language, and it would be impossible for us to communicate. It would also be quite unpleasant for me and stressful for my child if I insisted that ‘there is mummy’s language’. Or ‘if you want to speak to mummy, use mummy’s language’.

As a result, I communicate with my child in my language 85% of the time. But sometimes I translate what I say into English or use English only during our family time. My child is doing ok and picking up both languages. She does not say much yet. But when she speaks, she uses English with an occasional minority language words woven in.

Myth #2 Mixing languages is bad for you

I’ve also learnt that it’s inevitable for a child to mix languages, and it’s fine and expected. It’s called code-mixing. And some researchers see it as a sign that your child is mastering both languages.

English is my second language, and for the last decade or so I’ve been using it more than I use my mother tongue. And I am guilty of mixing languages from time to time. It happens when I am with someone who understands those two languages. And for me, it’s rather natural. I do it because a word or a phrase in one language jumps to my head quicker than the other.

As a student, I had a friend who understood my language but could not speak it. We used to annoy many people by having heated conversations in public using two languages. It sounded normal to us but confused others as they could only understand half of what was being said.

Myth #3 Bilingualism causes speech delay

The speech delay is also a myth. Bilingual kids might start speaking slightly later than monolingual kids. But it happens within the expected range. If there is a slight delay, it might be because of other factors unrelated to bilingualism. Then a visit to a specialist might need to happen.

It is a popular myth, and I must admit that it bothered me that my child’s speech development might be affected. I also did not want to put my little one under pressure by forcing her to pick up two languages instead of one.

But children are more clever and adaptable. What stresses parents might be a fun game for them. And as long as we don’t project our fears onto our kids, they will pick up with ease the languages we speak to them. And it won’t cause them any discomfort.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it.

The most common myths about raising bilingual kids — debunked.

Second language acquisition is more about consistency. Mixing languages is a sign of language proficiency. Learning two languages at the same time does not cause a speech delay.

My key lesson learnt is that I want my child to enjoy being bilingual. And now that I know that my fears are dubious, I can enjoy teaching my child to be fluent in two languages.