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Speech and language difficulties

Advice for parents who are raising bilingual children with speech and language difficulties:

  • keep speaking in your own language. Do not start speaking in a language that you are not competent in, even though it maybe the new language that your child is learning (for example, English).
  • keep language simple and use short phrases when talking to your child.
  • keep repeating new words so that your child gets used to hearing them.
  • use gestures, facial expressions and body language to help show your child what you mean.
  • encourage your child when they communicate in any way or any language.
  • share a simple list of 10 to 20 commonly used words in your home language with your child's nursery, pre-school or childminder

Further help

If you have concerns about your child’s language development, please talk to the SENCO at your child's early years setting if they attend one, to your health visitor or contact your local family hub.

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