Language Delay in Thailand

According to a recent article in The Nation Thailand, language development among Thai children in Thailand is on the decline. The article reported that over 80% of Thai children's development was screened using the Denver ll Developmental Screening tool for children aged 0-5 years. More than 20% of children who were screened were found to have a language delay. A language delay is when a child is delayed to meet language development milestones according to their age. Also, more than half of these children presented with language delay in both their receptive language skills (the ability to understand language) and expressive language skills (the ability to use language). 

This can be seen as an alarming statistic. However, it can also be interpreted as an important wake up call, that we need to be doing more to stimulate the language development of young children. Children learn language by hearing it from their environment. This means that we as parents, caregivers and educators, are the main models of language for children during their early years.

Below are 5 simple strategies you can use today, to stimulate your child's language development:

​1.     Engage In Interactive Play
During play, children are engaged, attentive and motivated, which are the ideal conditions for learning. Try to find 10-15 minutes each day to play with your child. When you do, get down to their level, turn your body to face them with full attention, and let them show you what they are interested in.

2.     Stop Asking So Many Questions!
Try to limit the number of questions you ask a child. Remember that when we ask a child a question (e.g. "what color is this?") we are not teaching them anything, we are testing them instead. Also, if your child is not talking yet and you are asking questions during play, your interactions will be one-sided because they do not have the words to respond.
 
3.     Be Your Child’s Commentator
Imagine that you are a sports commentator and your child is the athlete. Base your comments on what toy your child is playing with and what actions they are performing. When you comment on what your child is doing, they will find play enjoyable and will be likely to want to play with you again. Try to use comments which are slightly above your child's current language level. For example, if your child is not talking yet, keep your comments very simple by using only single words.  If your child is using single words, try to use comments with 2 words, and so on. 
 
4.     Be Your Child’s Interpreter – Not Parrot
Although, your child might not be talking yet, they can still be making sounds or trying to say words. A common mistake we make when a child produces a sound is to repeat this sound back to them. When we do this, we are not teaching the child anything new and thus, missing an opportunity for language stimulation. Instead, when this happens, try to interpret what your child is communicating by using the context you are in to guide you. For example, if your child says, “baa” while holding up a toy bear, avoid repeating “baa” back to them and respond with an interpretation of this sound instead (e.g. say “bear”).
 
5.     Let Your Child Be Captain
When you play with your child, take a step back and let them lead the play interaction. Try not to direct your child’s attention to certain toys by holding toys up to them or placing toys next to them. Instead, let your child choose which toys they want to play with. Also, try not to influence what your child does with the toy or for how long they will play with a toy. Let your child decide the events and duration of the play interaction. Your child will enjoy playing with you much more if they lead. As a result, they will respond better to your language stimulation. They will also be more likely to want to play with you again, which will present more opportunities for language stimulation in the future.

The great thing about these strategies above, is that they can be incorporated into your usual routines and interactions with your child. You can further stimulate your child's language development by following these simple, yet effective steps, today! 

Speak soon,
The Expat Speechie
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Statistics Reference:
The Nation Thailand: https://www.nationthailand.com/health-wellness/40043135