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Original poster

Should I speak to my 10-month-old in English?

79 replies

Wagapapa · 26/03/2023 02:50

Hi everyone!

I have a ten month old baby who I always talk to in English. However, I am a native French and Arabic speaker.
My DH's mother tongue, on the other hand, is English.
I would like to introduce him to French and Arabic but am unsure as to how I should go about it.
I don't want to confuse him or create any potential speech delays.
Plus, my husband doesn't understand either languages and, since I'm with DS most of the day, I'm afraid my baby won't pick up English as fast (or not fully until he starts going to nursery anyways) and won't be able to communicate with my husband properly.

Am I overthinking it? Should I just stick to English for now, should I solely speak to him in French?

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MelchiorsMistress · 26/03/2023 03:03

For now I’d choose either French or Arabic and speak to him in that language when you’re at home on your own. Then when his Dad is around or you’re out, speak on English. I think I’d wait until speech is established before introducing a third language.

Luredbyapomegranate · 26/03/2023 03:03

Speak in French or Arabic. This will be a huge life skill for him to have and is also a protection against Alzheimer’s in later life.

Bilingual children are slightly behind in each language at the start (I think - because they have more words to learn) but they quickly catch up.

beccahamlet · 26/03/2023 03:00

Speak to him in French or Arabic. It's an amazing gift you can give him to be bi/trilingual.

Butterfly44 · 26/03/2023 03:00

Speak in your own language. It won't confuse them. This is how they become bilingual. They will thank you for it.

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