Nurturing Bilingual Language Development: Milestones and Reflections
This post by Dr. Paul Larcombe delves into the fascinating journey of language development in his bilingual daughter, who speaks Russian and English. Highlighting key milestones achieved within just a month, Dr. Larcombe shares delightful moments like bedtime reading interactions, emerging bilingual vocabulary, and social behaviors. The arrival of a new sibling adds a new dynamic, promising to influence both children's linguistic growth in unique ways.
BILINGUAL PARENTINGLANGUAGE DEVELOPMENTEARLY CHILDHOOD MILESTONESPLURILINGUALISM PARENTINGBILINGUAL CHILD DEVELOPMENTEDUCATION RESEARCHPARENTING REFLECTIONSSIBLING DYNAMICS AND LEARNING
Dr Paul Larcombe
12/21/20242 min read
As parents raising a bilingual child, we’ve always been fascinated by the subtle yet significant milestones that mark our daughter’s language journey. At just two and a half years old, her progress over the past month has been both exciting and heartwarming. Here, I share key developments in her language skills and what they mean for her continued growth, especially with the recent addition of a new sibling.
1. Excitement in Animal Noises During Bedtime Reading
One of the most delightful moments this past month has been watching our daughter fully immerse herself in bedtime stories. She now eagerly makes animal noises when prompted, adding sounds for cows, dogs, cats, and more. This newfound excitement is not only entertaining but also essential for her phonetic awareness and vocal play. Mimicking sounds helps fine-tune her ability to reproduce the varied phonemes present in both Russian and English. This playful engagement with language lays a foundation for clearer speech and more expressive communication.
2. Saying ‘Bye’ in English
In the past month, we’ve seen our daughter adopt the English word ‘bye’ as part of her regular vocabulary. It’s become a routine for her to run into a room, play, and then leave, all while saying ‘bye’ with a smile. This milestone reflects her ability to choose appropriate situational language and demonstrates her growing comfort with English as an interactive tool. It’s a clear indication that she’s starting to differentiate between languages and is aware of social conventions in both linguistic contexts.
3. Saying ‘Thank You’ in Russian
Expressing gratitude is an important social skill, and this past month, our daughter has started saying ‘thank you’ (or ‘spasibo’) in Russian when we do small acts for her. This behavior shows not only politeness but also an understanding of how language can be used to express appreciation and maintain positive interactions. The integration of ‘thank you’ into her natural responses highlights her comprehension of Russian social norms and adds depth to her communicative abilities.
4. Welcoming a New Baby Brother
Perhaps the most profound change in our family dynamic has been the arrival of our new baby boy. While he’s still in the early stages of infancy, it’s fascinating to think about how his language development will be influenced by having an older sister to interact with. Our daughter’s bilingualism may serve as a unique source of input for her brother. Watching her engage with him—whether through mimicking sounds, playful chatter, or simple words—will be a compelling window into how sibling interactions support language acquisition.
Looking Ahead
These moments of linguistic growth are precious reminders of how resilient and adaptable young children are, especially in bilingual environments. As we continue this journey, we look forward to observing how our daughter’s language use evolves and how she takes on the role of both learner and teacher for her little brother.
The shared experiences of play, storytelling, and everyday interactions will no doubt enrich both children’s understanding of language—not just as a means of communication but as a bridge that connects them to two different cultural identities.