Bilingual Children and Speech Development – A Guide for Parents in Malta

In Malta, growing up bilingual is the norm. Most children are exposed to both Maltese and English from birth — at home, at school, and in the community. So when a bilingual child seems slower to talk or mixes languages, parents naturally wonder: is the bilingualism causing a problem?

The short answer is no. Bilingualism does not cause speech or language delays. But it can make it harder to spot when a genuine difficulty does exist. Understanding how bilingual development works is key to knowing when to seek help.

How Bilingual Speech Development Differs

Bilingual children may develop language slightly differently from monolingual peers, but this is entirely normal. Common patterns include:

• Code-mixing: Switching between Maltese and English within a sentence (“Irrid the blue one”). This is a normal bilingual skill, not confusion.
• Uneven vocabulary: A child may know some words in Maltese and others in English. Their total vocabulary across both languages is what matters, not their word count in one language alone.
• Slightly later first words: Some bilingual children take a little longer to produce their first words, but they typically catch up quickly.
• A silent period: When starting school in a new language environment, some children go quiet while they absorb the new language. This is a normal processing phase.

When Bilingualism Is Not the Problem

While bilingualism itself does not cause delays, bilingual children can still have speech and language difficulties — just like monolingual children. The key is recognising when a delay goes beyond normal bilingual variation.

Warning signs include:

• Delayed speech in both languages (not just the weaker one)
• Limited understanding of simple instructions in either language
• Very few words by age 2 in both languages combined
• Difficulty with sounds and pronunciation beyond what is typical for their age
• Frustration or withdrawal because they cannot communicate their needs
• Loss of words in either language that they previously used

If the difficulty is present across both languages, it is likely a genuine language concern rather than a bilingual variation.

Common Myths About Bilingual Children

• “Stick to one language to avoid confusion.” Research consistently shows that maintaining both languages supports cognitive development and cultural identity. Dropping a language is rarely necessary or helpful.
• “They will catch up once they start school.” While school provides rich language input, children with genuine delays need targeted support, not just exposure.
• “Speech therapy should only be in English.” At WonderKids, we understand Malta’s bilingual context and can support development in both Maltese and English.

Tips to Support Bilingual Development at Home

• Speak to your child in whichever language feels most natural to you. Rich, fluent input in any language is more valuable than stilted speech in a language you are not comfortable with.
• Read books in both languages. Maltese and English picture books provide vocabulary and grammar input in both languages.
• Do not correct code-mixing. Instead, model the word in the language you are speaking — “Iva, you want the blue one.”
• Expose your child to both languages through varied contexts. Conversations with grandparents, nursery rhymes in Maltese, English TV programmes — diversity of input matters.
• Track development across both languages. When counting your child’s vocabulary, include words from both Maltese and English.

When to Seek a Speech Therapy Assessment

If your child is significantly behind milestones in both languages, or if you are unsure whether their development is typical for a bilingual child, an assessment provides clarity. At WonderKids, we are experienced in assessing bilingual children within Malta’s unique linguistic context. We will give you a clear picture of your child’s abilities and practical advice tailored to your family’s language use.

Do not let uncertainty hold you back. Call WonderKids at +356 77048650 or email info@wonderkids.mt — we are here to support your bilingual child’s communication journey.