The age at which a bilingual baby starts talking can vary widely and is influenced by various factors, including the languages spoken at home, the child's exposure to each language, and the child's individual development. Generally, bilingual children may follow a similar language development pattern as monolingual children, but they might reach certain milestones in each language at slightly different times.
Here are some general guidelines:
First Words: Most babies, whether monolingual or bilingual, begin saying their first words around 10 to 15 months of age. These words are usually simple and associated with objects or familiar people in their environment.
Combining Words: Between 18 to 24 months, toddlers typically start combining words to form short phrases and simple sentences. At this stage, bilingual children might use words from both languages in their speech.
Language Differentiation: Around 2 to 3 years old, bilingual children often begin to differentiate between the two languages and may use them more consistently. They might use one language with one parent or in specific settings and switch to the other language with another parent or in different environments.
Language Fluency: By the age of 4 or 5, bilingual children can become increasingly fluent in both languages and use them appropriately based on the context and the people they are interacting with.
It's essential to remember that children develop at their own pace, and there can be significant variations among individual bilingual children. Some bilingual children may start talking slightly later than monolingual children, especially if they are exposed to two languages simultaneously from an early age. However, this should not be a cause for concern, as long as they show progress in their language development and reach appropriate milestones within a reasonable timeframe.
Consistent exposure to both languages and providing ample opportunities for language use and communication in different settings can be beneficial for a bilingual baby's language development. If you have any concerns about your child's language development, it's always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician or a speech-language pathologist for professional advice and guidance.