“You have to start with two languages right from birth; after the age of six, it won’t happen as easily, and learning a foreign language will be an uphill battle, just like studying a school subject.” If you are interested in a multilingual upbringing, you have probably come across a similar warning. Both in literature and online, people frequently talk about a "critical period" for language acquisition. As a result, parents of four- or five-year-olds often panic and sink int

“He’s two and a half and barely talks. It’s definitely because you’re speaking to him in two languages. You’d better stop with the English and stick to Czech, otherwise he’ll never start talking.” Have you ever heard advice like this? Perhaps it came from a well-meaning grandmother, a friend at the playground, or—worst of all—from a teacher, speech-language pathologist, or pediatrician. The fear that bilingualism causes speech delay is like a dark shadow hanging over many mul

You know the drill. You’re sitting contentedly at the playground, sipping that cold coffee you finally got around to, while your three-year-old bilingual child plays in the sandbox. Suddenly, he turns to you and, with a completely straight face, announces: “Mami, look jaký velký worm!” You smile to yourself because you know he’s just proudly announced finding an earthworm. However, the lady on the next bench perks up, shoots you a disapproving look, and you can practically fe