Speaking Twi, Ga, Ewe or Hausa at home alongside English is an advantage, not a cause of delay. Here is what the evidence really says.
Many Ghanaian families are told to 'stick to English' if a child is slow to talk. Decades of research say otherwise: multilingualism does not cause speech or language delay, and dropping the home language usually does more harm than good.
What the evidence shows
- Multilingual children reach the major milestones — first words, first phrases — within the same age ranges as monolingual children.
- Vocabulary should be counted across both languages combined, not in one language alone.
- Mixing languages in one sentence is a normal, rule-governed skill, not confusion.
- A child with a genuine language disorder will show it in both languages; a difficulty in only one language usually reflects exposure, not disorder.
Why the home language matters
The home language carries family relationships, identity and culture. Children learn best from adults speaking the language they use most fluently and warmly — usually the one they grew up in. Speaking imperfect English to a child provides a weaker model than rich, natural Twi or Ga.
Practical guidance
- Keep speaking your home language confidently and consistently.
- Aim for quality and quantity of interaction in each language rather than a strict split.
- Read, sing and tell stories in both languages.
- Give your child regular chances to hear each language from more than one person.
- Tell any clinician which languages your child hears and how often — assessment must consider all of them.
When to seek advice
- Fewer than 50 words in total, across all languages, by two years.
- No two-word combinations in any language by 30 months.
- Difficulty understanding everyday instructions in the strongest language.
- Loss of words or skills previously used.
Still wondering?
If anything here sounds familiar, the next step is simple. Complete our free Communication & Language Milestone Screener for age-based guidance in about five minutes, or book an assessment if your concerns remain. Acting early is never wasted — and you will never be told you worried too soon.
Next step
Complete the free Communication & Language Milestone Screener for age-based guidance, or book an assessment if your concerns remain.