Ming @ Agents of Speech explains why bilingualism doesn't cause speech delay. Delayed children often rely on gestures and tantrums to communicate, but gestures and sign language are valid languages and useful in therapy. Using words across languages like 'makan' and 'manje' increases exposure and can actually enhance linguistic skills.
You see that children, when they are delayed, they like to pull your hand, right? Or they like to throw a tantrum or use other ways to get what they want, right? Why did they not learn how to use sign language or gestures? That in itself is a language as well. Why do we use gestures on top of speaking when we talk? Why do we use it as a therapeutical tool and a cue and a prompt? It's because we're giving more information at an easier way instead of talking to create the same meaning. If I say eat and I say in different languages, like makan, Indonesian, manje, in French, if I do this and I say the words, it's giving more chance for the child to acquire that language. So don't think that bilingualism is creating a problem. It's not. Sometimes it even solves problems and creates better linguistic skills. Okay.
