Real Talk on Bilingualism: Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Edition)

Honest feedback for Canadian parents worried about exposure to other languages

Questions about bilingualism, multilingualism and exposure to other languages are probably the most common type of query received by our therapists from concerned parents.

We recently published a blog on the benefits of multilingualism, but to summarize: exposure to other languages offers your child a mental workout that, like any other muscle, makes the brain stronger and more capable of growth. 

We’ll never stop preaching the benefits of exposure to other languages, while emphasizing best therapeutic practices in the language of the child’s choice. But for parents not quite convinced, the Speakable team will regularly update this Bilingualism FAQ blog to address specific concerns.

Here are real questions that parents have asked Speakable clinicians about bilingualism and multilingualism, and our sourced answers.

Q: Should I stop speaking my native language with my child and only expose them to one language (typically English or French)?

A: No.

Research shows that maintaining the native language fosters stronger family connections and cultural identity, which are essential for a child’s social-emotional development. Additionally, children who grow up bilingual often perform better in areas like problem-solving and multitasking. Parents should speak the language they are most fluent in to ensure rich and varied language exposure.

• Paradis, J., Genesee, F., & Crago, M. B. (2011). Dual Language Development & Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism & Second Language Learning.
• Goldstein, Brian & Kohnert, Kathryn. (2005). Speech, Language, and Hearing in Developing Bilingual Hearing

Q: My child is on the autism spectrum. Should I seek an exemption from second-language schooling? 

A: No. Studies show that bilingual children with autism can develop language skills in both languages without detriment. Limiting a child to one language might restrict opportunities for communication and cognitive flexibility. Instead, focusing on strategies tailored to the child’s strengths in both languages can enhance their overall development.

• Hambly, C., & Fombonne, E. (2012). “The impact of bilingual environments on language development in children with autism spectrum disorders.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Q: My child uses two different languages in the same sentence (ex. Franglais). Should this be discouraged? 

A: No. Code-switching is a natural part of bilingual language development and shows that the child is effectively using all of their linguistic resources. It reflects a deep understanding of both languages and often aligns with the context or audience they are communicating with.

• Grosjean, F. (2010). Bilingual: Life and Reality.
• Genesee, F. (2001). Bilingual first language acquisition: Exploring the limits of the language faculty. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics.

Q: My child has been exposed to three languages since birth and I wonder if this is responsible for the child’s language delay?

A: No. Language delays are not caused by multilingual exposure but may be linked to other underlying developmental or environmental factors. Children can successfully learn multiple languages simultaneously, although milestones might vary slightly across languages. Seeking professional guidance from a speech-language pathologist can help identify the true cause of the delay.

• De Houwer, A. (2009). Bilingual First Language Acquisition.
• Hoff, E. (2018). “Bilingual development in children.” The Cambridge Handbook of Bilingualism.

Q: My child is regularly exposed to two (or three or more) languages. Which language should speech therapy services be provided in?

A: It’s the patient’s choice. Speech therapy services should always be provided in the child’s most comfortable or emotionally significant language, often their first language. Therapy in the native language ensures the child can fully express themselves, while also building foundational skills that can transfer to other languages

• Kohnert, K. (2013). Language Disorders in Bilingual Children and Adults

For more information about speech therapy services in English or French, contact us.

About Speakable Speech & Language

Founded in 2013 by Tamara Paull M.SC. SLP(C), Speakable Speech & Language provides in-person and virtual speech therapy, and language-focused art therapy, to Canadian children 18 months to 18 years of age. The Speakable team of clinicians in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) or l’Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec (OOAQ) aim to engage children in 30-45-minute sessions that are therapeutic, educational and lots of fun.