Speech Development in a Bilingual Child
Parents of bilingual children often seek information about speech development in children for whom Polish is a minority language. They ask: "What should I do if my child doesn't speak Polish?"
Parents often fear that their bilingual children will begin speaking later than their peers who use one language daily. Experts emphasize that there are no guidelines or studies confirming later speech development in bilingual children.
Therefore, proper language stimulation, meaning the consistent use of Polish in a variety of everyday situations, is crucial. With this approach, the child's speech develops normally.
When should a parent of a bilingual child see a speech therapist?
Of course, parents should always consult a speech therapist or other specialist if they have any suspicions or concerns about their child's development. Common warning signs that speech therapists look for include:
The child doesn't maintain eye contact, doesn't smile back, doesn't say "bye-bye."
A two- or three-year-old doesn't use simple sentences.
The child doesn't respond to commands.
The child has stopped speaking altogether or only in a specific setting.
The child stutters or stutters.
The child speaks in a way that is incomprehensible to people outside the family.
The child sticks their tongue between their teeth when speaking.
A one-year-old doesn't say even three words.
A two-year-old doesn't begin to form sentences.
A three-year-old doesn't ask questions.
A four-year-old doesn't talk about the world.
The child speaks in a way that is "unpleasant" to the ear.
The child doesn't respond to voice input.
What can be done to ensure that a bilingual child speaks Polish correctly?
Language stimulation is very important, meaning using the minority language, Polish, as often as possible in various everyday situations, in conversation, during play, and in various contexts.
Speech therapy games, aids, and exercises can be helpful and help parents actively use the Polish language.
Our online bookstore has tested numerous speech therapy materials and books. Working with Polish schools abroad, speech therapists, and specialists, we have created a unique offering tailored specifically to the needs of bilingual children learning Polish outside of Poland.
You'll find:
Speech therapy aids for children of all ages (for two-, three-, four-, five-, six-year-olds, and older children)
Speech therapy exercises for various series will help with the pronunciation of Polish sounds that are particularly difficult for bilingual children (sh - s, cz - c, r / l)
Speech therapy games and activities that will encourage practice in a fun way
Speech therapy aids recommended by specialists: the Krakow method, the syllable method, tips, articles, and books recommended by speech therapists
We invite you to visit our bookstore shelves:
Speech therapy aids - proven speech therapy aids for bilingual children of all ages, supporting Polish language development
Speech development, rhymes, and games - proven games and rhymes that will support Polish language development through play
Picture stories - specialized materials recommended for speech therapists working with bilingual children
Krakow method - materials for speech therapists and specialists who use Prof. Jagoda Cieszyńska's methods
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