"If you speak two languages to him at the same time, he'll get confused." "It's better to wait until he has a good grasp of French first." You've probably heard these phrases. But what does science really say?
1. The myth of "language mixing"
Yes, bilingual children sometimes mix languages — this is called code-switching. But it's not a sign of confusion. On the contrary, it's proof that their brain is actively managing two linguistic systems in parallel. Researchers now consider code-switching a skill, not a deficit.
2. The golden window: 0 to 7 years old
The human brain is biologically programmed to acquire language before the age of 7. During this period, children absorb sounds, grammatical structures, and vocabulary of a language without conscious effort. After 7 years, this learning gradually becomes more "academic" and less intuitive.
3. No need to be bilingual yourself
The good news: you don't need to be fluent in the second language to expose your child to it. Songs, illustrated books, and bilingual games are enough to create regular and natural exposure.
4. What science says
Studies conducted by the University of Washington show that babies exposed to two languages from birth develop a better capacity for attention and cognitive flexibility — skills that help them well beyond language learning.
Conclusion
Early bilingualism is neither a myth nor a risk. It's an opportunity — provided you approach it with lightness and regularity. Play is one of the best ways to achieve this.
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