
Bilingual Speech Delay in Dubai – Expert Therapy by Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadeh
Raising a bilingual child in a multicultural city like Dubai comes with many advantages. However, it can also raise concerns when children do not meet typical language milestones. A bilingual speech delay in Dubai is a common issue observed by speech-language therapists, often causing confusion among parents about what’s normal and what requires intervention.
Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadeh, a speech therapist and child psychologist with over 20 years of experience, specializes in differentiating between typical bilingual development and true speech or language delays. His clinic at SpeechTherapy.ae provides expert assessment and tailored therapy in both English and Arabic.
What Is Bilingual Speech Delay?
Bilingual speech delay refers to the slower pace of language development in children exposed to two or more languages. While it is normal for bilingual children to mix languages or start speaking slightly later, some delays may go beyond typical patterns and indicate an underlying disorder.
Children may show:
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Limited vocabulary in both languages
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Difficulty switching between languages
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Mixing syntax from both languages
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Frustration or avoidance of communication
Common Causes in Dubai’s Bilingual Communities
Dubai’s diverse population means many children grow up hearing multiple languages at home, in school, or from caregivers. While this can enrich their development, it can also lead to confusion when exposure is inconsistent or one language dominates.
Possible contributing factors include:
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Unequal exposure to languages
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Limited interaction or play-based language input
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Hearing issues or undiagnosed developmental disorders
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Autism, Specific Language Impairment (SLI), or ADHD
Read about ADHD and speech therapy in Dubai
When to Seek Help
You should consider a professional evaluation if your bilingual child:
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Uses fewer than 50 words by age 2
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Cannot form short sentences by age 3
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Struggles to follow simple instructions
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Shows little interest in verbal interaction
Early assessment helps differentiate between “bilingual language difference” and actual speech or language delay.
Dr. Aziz’s Therapy Approach for Bilingual Speech Delay
Dr. Aziz uses evidence-based methods adapted for bilingual children:
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Speech therapy in the dominant or stronger language
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Parent coaching for both home languages
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Visual supports and cueing systems
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Regular monitoring of expressive and receptive skills
He emphasizes involving both caregivers and educators in the process.
Explore therapy for Specific Language Impairment
Supporting Language Growth at Home
Parents can foster bilingual language development by:
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Speaking in full sentences and emphasizing vocabulary
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Reading in both languages regularly
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Using interactive activities like naming objects or singing
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Limiting screen time and increasing face-to-face interaction
Trusted Speech Therapy Services in Dubai
At SpeechTherapy.ae, Dr. Aziz supports bilingual families through compassionate, individualized therapy. His clinic addresses:
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Expressive and receptive language delay
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Bilingual stuttering or articulation issues
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Communication difficulties linked to neurodevelopmental disorders
Contact for Early Intervention
If your child is growing up bilingual and you’re unsure whether speech delay is part of normal development or a cause for concern, book a consultation today.
Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadeh
Speech Therapist & Child Psychologist, Dubai
WhatsApp: +971 55 560 0641
Instagram: @dr.aziz.ae
Website: www.speechtherapy.ae
Related Topics:
Selected Published Articles by Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadeh:
You may refer to the following peer-reviewed articles authored by Dr. Ghasemzadeh et al., to explore further research in clinical psychology, cognitive therapy, speech disorders, and neurological rehabilitation:
- Cognitive Mastery in Sports
- CBT on Dysmenorrhea in Iranian Girls
- Psychosomatic Manifestations in Speech Disorders
- Cultural Considerations in Autism
- Life Enrichment for Women with MS
- Parentification in Girls from Single-Parent Families
- Postpartum Depression and Mindfulness
- Fatigue in ALS Patients
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Reducing the Depression As a Dysmenorrhea Symptom
- Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder