Bilingual Speech Delay in Dubai

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:

Limited vocabulary in both languages
Difficulty switching between languages
Mixing syntax from both languages
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:

Unequal exposure to languages
Limited interaction or play-based language input
Hearing issues or undiagnosed developmental disorders
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:

Uses fewer than 50 words by age 2
Cannot form short sentences by age 3
Struggles to follow simple instructions
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:

Speech therapy in the dominant or stronger language
Parent coaching for both home languages
Visual supports and cueing systems
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:

Speaking in full sentences and emphasizing vocabulary
Reading in both languages regularly
Using interactive activities like naming objects or singing
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:

Expressive and receptive language delay
Bilingual stuttering or articulation issues
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
WhatsApp: 0555 600 641
Instagram: @dr.aziz.ae
Website: www.speechtherapy.ae | ✉️ info@speechtherapy.ae
Armada Medical Centre, JLT – Dubai
Lifeworks Centre, Al Quoz – Dubai

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:

Bilingual Speech Delay in Dubai – Expert Therapy by Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadeh