On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of bilingualism are an apparent delay in language acquisition; interference between the two phonological, lexical, and grammatical systems; and a possible decrease in vocabulary in both languages.
One disadvantage of being bilingual is that bilingual and multilingual speakers have a smaller vocabulary in the languages they speak than monolingual speakers. In addition to this, the time taken for bilingual speakers to retrieve words when thinking is slower than for a monolingual speaker.
Other studies report that bilingualism has a negative impact on language development and is associated with delays in lexical acquisition (e.g., Pearson, Fernandez, & Oller, 1993; Umbel & Oller, 1995) and a smaller vocabulary than that of monolingual children (Verhallen & Schoonen, 1993; Vermeer, 1992).
Being multilingual or bilingual often helps children learn at school because it helps them with problem-solving, multitasking, creativity and flexible thinking. These children can also have good focus.
Learning two languages in childhood does not cause confusion or language delay. The idea that two languages causes language delays in children has been a long-standing myth in the United States. However, research has dispelled this myth.
Remember, children all over the world learn more than one language all the time. Multilingual children develop language skills just as other children do. You will not confuse your child, cause or worsen speech or language problems, or slow down their learning by using your languages with your child.
On the other hand, some of the disadvantages of bilingualism are an apparent delay in language acquisition; interference between the two phonological, lexical, and grammatical systems; and a possible decrease in vocabulary in both languages.
Critics of the system believe that it delays the development of proficiency in English and can have an adverse impact on successful assimilation into American society.
It also opens up new cultural and social experiences, and can enhance career opportunities in a globalized world. However, bilingualism can also lead to language confusion, delayed language development, learning difficulties, reduced cognitive development, and social and emotional difficulties.
Poor vocabulary
So many new words and phrases can be hard to memorize, let alone, to use while speaking. This is precisely the reason we recommend you to speak more to native speakers because this way, you will practice your vocabulary, use some words and phrases more often, learn synonyms.
Bilingual children exhibit more creativity in problem-solving and flexibility than their monolingual peers. The same holds true for learners of a second language. Researchers across different studies have found that studying a language seems to unlock students' creative abilities.
Criticism of bilingual education has grown as parents and numerous objective analyses have shown it was ineffective, kept students too long in Spanish-only classes, and slowed the learning of English and assimilation into American society.
Language barriers are significant because they are often an impediment to building relationships with others. They can cause misunderstandings that lead to conflict, frustration, offense, violence, hurt feelings, and wasting time, effort, money, and lives of the people.
Some disadvantages that mav derive from teaching students in their native languages include the fear of speaking English due to lack of practice and increased comfort speaking in their native languages, the lack of immersion of instructors and peers in the English language which may slow down the process of English ...
It's true that learning two languages is more complex than learning one single language and there can sometimes be certain delays or differences. But in the long term, such a delay does not affect the child's language abilities.
Bilingualism causes language delay. FALSE. While a bilingual child's vocabulary in each individual language may be smaller than average, his total vocabulary (from both languages) will be at least the same size as a monolingual child (10, 15).
Children who speak more than one language have the opportunity to become more culturally aware and have the ability to better understand and appreciate cultural differences, which helps them be more open to different ways of thinking and allows them to experience the world with “new eyes”.
Second-language learning also changes the brain's structure
Because of their roles involved in learning, the relevant brain regions become strengthened – this is reflected in the increase of volume in grey and white matter.