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MYTH
Learning multiple languages can have a negative impact on a Child's academic development.
My child mixes their languages. This indicates possible confusion due to the use of / exposure to multiple languages.
Children growing up with more than one language will have delayed speech development.
The One Parent / Person, One Language' Approach ensures proficiency in the respective languages.
I didn't speak my native language to my child from birth and now it is too late to introduce it to them.
FACT
Even if a child is not exposed to a language from birth, they can still learn it. There is no 'cut-off point' and you can always turn the 'one day' into 'day one'.
Even though OPOL can be highly effective in certain cases, it is not the only option. Its success may vary depending on the circumstances and may not always guarantee the desired results.
Language mixing does not indicate confusion or a lack of language proficiency. It is a natural part of bilingual language development.
Bilingualism does not cause speech delay. This assumption is misleading and an oversimplification of a complex process.
Skills, knowledge and concepts learned in one language can transfer to another. This means that skills developed in a child's first language can support the acquisition of those same skills in their second language and vice versa.
