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What Factors Affect Language Development In Children?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Feb 2014
Question: Hi, I have a 16 months old son, my husband and I speak to him in Mandarin, myparents speak to him in Cantonese, and he watchs English cartoon, so my question is will it slow him down in speaking English when he goes to daycare or preschool later on? My parents can't speak English. So is my husband... Since he has been listening to 3 different languages, (English tv show only) , will it affect him in understanding english later on when he goes to day care of preschool?
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Answered by Dr. Uma Rajah Ananth (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer: you talk in English with him. Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes , this sometimes causes problems especially if the child's basic intelligence is average. But not always!!! I would prefer that you talk to him in English at home also as you mention others do not know . This will help him to pickup routine words. A child's brain is very plastic,can modulate and absorb many things unlike adult brain. So you should not face any problems normally. Sometimes you will bee surprised to see him change the language according to people!!!!! You keep English with him. Good luck Dr Uma
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Uma Rajah Ananth

Pediatrician, Neonatology

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 891 Questions

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What Factors Affect Language Development In Children?

Brief Answer: you talk in English with him. Detailed Answer: Hi, Yes , this sometimes causes problems especially if the child's basic intelligence is average. But not always!!! I would prefer that you talk to him in English at home also as you mention others do not know . This will help him to pickup routine words. A child's brain is very plastic,can modulate and absorb many things unlike adult brain. So you should not face any problems normally. Sometimes you will bee surprised to see him change the language according to people!!!!! You keep English with him. Good luck Dr Uma