Support for language development

Don't put it down to a bilingual home — have it assessed.

Check if your child

• Speaks later than peers
• Understands but cannot express
• Has unclear pronunciation
• Stammers
• Rarely makes eye contact and responds little — this may go beyond language.

A bilingual environment does not cause language delay. But checking is still worthwhile.

Where to get help

1. Infant health checks — they include developmental screening. See child-health-check.
2. Family centre language development support — for children of multicultural families, with specialists providing assessment and teaching.
3. Public health centres and childcare support centres — developmental counselling.
4. Paediatrics, rehabilitation medicine, ENT — it may be a hearing issue. See hearing-health.
5. Speech therapy clinics — where treatment follows diagnosis.

What parents can do

• Talk to your child a lot — in any language.
• Use your own language freely. Rich speech in the language you know best is good for your child. See bilingual-environment.
• Read together. Use the library. See library-use.
• Reduce screen time.
• Create chances to mix with other children.

Where to go

• Local family centres (language development support)
• 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual)
• Your local public health centre or childcare support centre
• 129 Health and Welfare Call Centre
• Paediatric clinics

Questions people ask

Does using two languages delay speech? Bilingualism itself is not the cause. If you are worried, an assessment is still worth having.

I'm worried about the cost. Family centre language development support is available if you qualify. Ask 1577-1366.

Counselling in Korean is difficult. Family centres often provide interpretation and bilingual support. Request it in advance.

Does treatment take long? It varies by child. The earlier you start, the better. Don't delay.

Take care

"They'll grow out of it" is the most regretted decision. Timing matters in language development. If you are worried, start with an assessment — a reassuring result is itself worth having.

Related

bilingual-environment · psychological-child · child-health-check · school-adaptation · hearing-health

Source

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, family centres www.familynet.or.kr / As of 2026-08