Learning Two Languages

[en Español]

Anyone can learn a new language. Some people find it easier than others, but all of us can do it. Learn more about becoming bilingual.

On this page:

Teaching Your Child To Be Bilingual
Learning More Than One Language
Ways To Help Your Child Become Bilingual
Talking With Your Child
Other Resources

Children can learn to speak more than one language. They can learn languages at home, at school, or in the community. Some children can speak both languages easily. But sometimes they know one language better than the other. The language your child knows better is their dominant language. Over time, the dominant language may change. For example, a child who speaks Spanish at home may start to use English when they start school. Their dominant language could change from Spanish to English.

Speaking two languages is like any other skill. You need a lot of practice to do it well. Without practice, your child will have a harder time using both languages.

Teaching Your Child To Be Bilingual

There are a number of ways to teach your child to speak more than one language. You can:

Use two languages from the start. Many children grow up learning two languages at the same time.
Use only one language at home. Your child can learn the second language when he starts school.
Give your child many chances to hear and practice both languages during the day.

Learning More Than One Language

Every bilingual child is unique. Learning two languages depends on the amount and type of practice your child gets. The following are some basic guidelines:

Most bilingual children speak their first words by the time they are 1 year old. By age 2, most children can use two-word phrases. Phrases like "my ball" or "more juice" can be in one or both languages.
From time to time, children may mix grammar rules. They might use words from both languages in the same sentence. This is a normal part of becoming bilingual.
Some children may not talk much when they start using a second language. This is called a “silent period."

Ways To Help Your Child Become Bilingual

Books. You can read to your child in both languages. You can find the books you need at bookstores, at libraries, and on the Internet.

Music. Singing is a great way to introduce a second language to your child. And, it can be a lot of fun!

TV and videos. Children’s programs are available in many languages. These programs teach children about numbers, letters, colors, and simple words.

Language programs. Children can learn other languages at camps or in bilingual school programs. These give children the chance to use two languages with other children.

Talking With Your Child

Your child might have trouble using both languages. In this case, talk to your child in the language you know best. You should do this even if your child uses a different language at school. A good language model gives your child the skills they need to learn other languages. But try not to make a sudden change in your child’s routine. This can be stressful.

Remember, children all over the world learn more than one language all the time. Learning another language will not cause or worsen speech or language problems. Bilingual children develop language skills just as other children do.

If your child starts having trouble in both languages, they may need help from a speech-language pathologist, or SLP. To find a speech-language pathologist near you, visit ProFind.