A word from each language in one sentence, or the grammar of one language with words from the other: it can sound like confusion. It isn't. Here is what language experts say, and simple ways to help at home.
Yes. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says children learning more than one language "might even use words from different languages in the same sentence", and that "this is a normal part of learning and using more than one language at a time."
Mixing is common in children learning two or more languages. ASHA (the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) also says that "most multilingual children use their first words by the time they are 1 year old" and that "by age 2, most multilingual children use two-word phrases."
A child often reaches for whichever word comes first, the way adults switch languages mid-sentence. Over time children learn which language to use with whom.
Source: ASHA, Learning More Than One Language.
This page shares general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your child's speech or language, talk to your doctor or a speech-language pathologist. EveryLingo is a vocabulary tool, not speech therapy.
If your child says a word in the "wrong" language, say the sentence back with the word you use, warmly, without a lesson.
Children need to hear each language often. Books, songs, people and everyday talk all count.
Point at the cow and say it in both languages. One picture with two names shows that one thing can have two words.
A few minutes of calm picture-and-sound games brings the same words back without pressure.
In EveryLingo every picture can show the word in two languages at once, each with its own sound, in any pair of 142 language options. How two languages at once works.
Yes. ASHA says multilingual children "might even use words from different languages in the same sentence" and that this "is a normal part of learning and using more than one language at a time."
No. Mixing usually means your child is using every word they know. Children gradually learn which language to use with whom.
Language experts generally advise keeping both. ASHA says using your languages with your child "will not confuse your child". If you have concerns, talk to a speech-language pathologist.
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