How do I encourage my twin sons to speak English?

Question

I have two highly intelligent boys, twenty-seven months old, who have a special language between the two of them that they speak almost exclusively.

We've had their hearing and intelligence tested on recommendations from the doctor due to the fact that they speak little to no English, but prefer their own language instead.  All tests have shown them to be in perfect health and with no mental deficiencies.

My husband and I don't speak 'baby talk' to them, and never have.  The closest we come is to increase the pitch of our voices, but the words have always been spoken clearly and correctly.  We read books to them regularly, talk to them constantly, and limit their television watching.  

Now that all of that is out of the way:  How do I encourage them to speak English instead of their own language?

According to my mother (who watched my two sets of twin cousins grow up) it's just a fact of having twins, and they might be three or four before they start speaking English.  It's obvious that they comprehend it, since asking them to 'give me that, please' or 'shut the door, please', etc will get them to do as asked, but they just won't say the words themselves.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You're doing three things that help - read books to them constantly, speak to them clearly and don't use TV too much. 
The other thing I know of that is necessary, (OK, crucial). is to respond to any and all attempts to communicate in a rewarding way.  Somehow the most rewarding communicator in their environment has been each other.  Taking that away is not what I'm suggesting.  I mean be more rewarding to their communications.  Even their hand motions and cries.
Adults tend to simply not respond.  It can be because they don't want to, don't understand, think they'll re-enforce baby talk, don't want to spoil the kids, don't think the children are correct enough or just want to say NO to what's being asked.
I do know that the more attentive and responsive the English speakers are, the more precocious the English coming out of the babies will be.

ladedamom · Answer

It's twin-ease they are speaking and it is very common in multiples that they have their own language between themselves. They will eventually speak normally.  It's just one of those things with multiples. Just keep doing what you're doing and when they want things don't give in to the twin ease they are using. Insist that they use regular words for things to others as much as possible.

threenorns · Answer

don't.

they WILL start speaking as soon as they realize nobody's going to respond to their private language.  but if you try to force it, they'll just retreat further and further - kids do that, esp when it's something that gives them comfort.

why didn't you talk baby talk?  baby talk is a critical first step in language development.  no, it doesn't "dumb down" their language or demean them.  it introduces them to phonics and language structure in a way infant minds can understand - an infant has no way to grasp a calm "well, aren't you a pretty little baby?" but he *can* enjoy "ooooh, who's a woodgie-woodgie cutie-pie?" in a higher tone that he can hear better, esp when accompanied by the pleasurable sensation of a finger tickling his chin or his tummy.

just leave them be - they understand when it's important but right now, they're working on developing their inter-twin bond.  one thing i'd do, though, is not respond when they speak to you in "twin" when they want something.  don't react at all, except to say "i'm sorry, i don't understand.  you need to use my words, not yours".  

oh - and break the language down - instead of "would you like a drink of milk?", start with "milk?" and once they're saying that consistently, add a word "want milk?" and then "want to drink milk?" and so on.

my daughter *is* speech delayed and at 33mo after nearly a year of speech therapy, i can finally understand about half of what she says (the rest is too distorted because of neurological problems in her mouth).

Anonymous · Answer

Thats weird, and awesome that they have their own way of speaking to eachother...I didnt start talking at ALL until I was about 4 or 5...so dont worry...some times it just takes a little longer.

&lt;3 · Answer

Well...Did you try taking them to classes!http://esl.about.com/cs/onlinecourses/a/a_ecourses.htm
Something like this not mostly like this!
since they are young....Try like tv maybe you can buy some DVDs because kids love DVDs!
Sorry i wasn't a lot of help!
Don't answer them in they talk in their language tell them you will only speak to them if they do so.
Good Luck!
Sometimes it just takes Time!

Linda R · Answer

LISTEN to your mother.....remember, she's already been there and done that.
In order to help children speak plainly and clearly...you need to force them to do it.  Do NOT give them anything until they can ask plainly and clearly.  The longer you keep them from things, for not asking plainly and clearly, the faster they will speak plainly and clearly.....especially if it's something they really want.

Michelle Bogush · Answer

If they talk to each other in their language, try separating them. Maybe they will start talking english if they were separated more.

Trending News

How do I encourage my twin sons to speak English?

7 Answers