“He understands everything in English, but doesn’t speak a word of Malayalam.” “Is the ‘Cartoon English’ making her confused?” “Should we just stick to one language until he starts talking?”
If you are a parent in Kerala or the Malayali diaspora, these questions probably keep you up at night. There is a common myth—often whispered by well-meaning relatives—that raising a child in a bilingual environment (Malayalam and English) causes speech delays.
Here is the truth: Bilingualism does not cause speech delay. In fact, the human brain is hardwired to handle multiple languages from birth. If your child is struggling to speak, it isn’t because they are “confused” by two languages; there may be other factors at play. Let’s break down the milestones and the “bilingual dilemma.”
Understanding the Milestones: Malayalam vs. English
While the sounds of Malayalam (with its complex retroflexes like ‘ഴ’ and ‘ണ’) differ from English, the developmental timeline for communication remains the same across cultures.
12 to 18 Months: The Foundation
- English: Uses simple words like “Mama,” “Dada,” or “No.”
- Malayalam: Uses functional words like “Appa,” “Amma,” or “Unda” (for food/want).
- The Bilingual Reality: At this stage, your child might have a “mixed” vocabulary. If they know 10 words in English and 10 in Malayalam, their total vocabulary is 20 words. They are right on track!
18 to 24 Months: The Word Explosion
- Milestone: Following simple commands (e.g., “Give me the ball” or “Cheppu idu”).
- Red Flag: If your child has fewer than 50 words or isn’t combining two words (e.g., “More milk” or “Amma po”), it’s time to pay attention.
The “Bilingual Dilemma”: Myth vs. Fact
Myth: Speaking two languages confuses the child.
Fact: Children are experts at “code-switching.” They might use an English noun in a Malayalam sentence, but this is a sign of cognitive flexibility, not confusion.
Myth: We should stop speaking Malayalam to help them learn English faster.
Fact: Please don’t! Your “heritage language” (Malayalam) is the language of emotion and connection. Research shows that a strong foundation in a first language actually makes it easier to master a second one later.
Myth: Screen time in English is why they aren’t speaking Malayalam.
Fact: While screens aren’t the cause of a clinical delay, they are “passive.” Language is “active.” If a child spends five hours watching English rhymes, they aren’t learning to communicate; they are learning to mimic.
Is it a Delay or Just “Bilingual Timing”?
Sometimes, bilingual children may have a “Silent Period” where they spend more time listening than speaking as they process two sets of grammar rules. However, their receptive language (what they understand) should still be age-appropriate.
| Sign of a Late Talker | Sign of a Bilingual Learner |
| Doesn’t point to objects to show interest. | Points to a “Poocha” when asked in Malayalam. |
| Doesn’t respond to their name. | Responds to their name in any language. |
| Struggles to follow 1-step directions. | Follows “Come here” or “Ivide varu.” |
| Uses gestures only, no attempts at words. | Uses a mix of Malayalam and English words. |
What Should You Do Next?
If your gut feeling says something is off, don’t “wait and see.” Early intervention is the most powerful tool we have.
- Narrate Your Day: Talk to your child in the language you are most comfortable with. Whether you are making Sambar or driving to the mall, describe what you are doing.
- Interactive Play: Get on the floor. Follow their lead. If they pick up a car, talk about the car—in any language.
- Consult a Professional: If your child isn’t meeting the milestones mentioned above, a Speech-Language Pathologist can help determine if the delay is due to a language disorder or simply a need for more stimulation.
Ready to Start?
Waiting and “seeing if they grow out of it” is rarely the best strategy when it comes to autism and speech delays. The earlier we start, the better the outcome.