Double the Words, Double the Fun! : Helping Your Child Learn BM and English at Home

Bilingual Made Simple — Even If You're Not a Language Teacher

In a multicultural country like Malaysia, being bilingual is a superpower — and many children grow up speaking both Bahasa Malaysia and English from an early age. But what if your child leans heavily into one language? Or mixes both in a single sentence? Or freezes when asked to “say that in BM”?

Don’t panic — bilingual development isn’t linear, and language mixing is normal (yes, even if your mother-in-law insists otherwise). The key is gentle, consistent exposure — and making it part of daily life, not just “study time.”

Why Support Both Languages at Home?

Because:

• Your child will need Bahasa Malaysia for school, society, and culture

• English helps with global communication, access to media, and confidence

• Bilingualism strengthens brain development, focus, and flexibility

• It fosters cultural pride while opening doors to the world

  
  

Basically, you’re raising a tiny global citizen — who also knows how to order kuih lapis and spell “delicious.”

Easy Everyday Ways to Support Both Languages

You don’t need flashcards or fancy tuition classes. Just weave language into real life.

1. One Parent, One Language (if it works for you)

If one parent is stronger in BM and the other in English, speak to your child in your dominant language. This natural balance creates strong models for both languages. Don’t worry if they mix at first — their brains are processing.

2. Label the World Around You

Sticky notes on the fridge? A little poster by the toy shelf? Label everyday items in both languages:

• "Kerusi / Chair"

• "Susu / Milk"

• "Mainan / Toy"

  
  

3. Read Aloud in Both Languages

• Mix it up with English storybooks one night, BM the next

• Or choose dual-language books (there are plenty!)

• Pause to ask: “What do you think happens next?” in either language

  
  

Pro tip: even if you fumble a little in one language, your child is absorbing your effort and tone, not just vocabulary.

4. Use Songs, Rhymes & Action Play

Songs stick — and children don’t care if you can’t sing.

• BM: “Bangun Pagi,” “Chan Mali Chan,” “Rasa Sayang”

• English: “Wheels on the Bus,” “If You’re Happy,” “Old MacDonald”

Add claps, actions, and silly faces for bonus brain points.

5. Repeat Phrases in Both Languages

Naturally translate without turning it into a lesson:

“Let’s go mandi — that means bath time!”“Nak more? More means lagi!”

This bridges understanding without pressure.

6. Model, Don’t Correct

If your child says, “I want susu,” respond warmly with:

“Oh, you want milk? Okay, jom kita ambil susu.”

You’re reinforcing without shaming or shutting them down.

7. Watch the Right Kind of Shows

Not all screen time is evil — just pick shows that speak clearly, slowly, and model good language use.Try:

• BM: Didi & Friends, Omar & Hana, Upin & Ipin

• English: Bluey, Daniel Tiger, Ms Rachel(And avoid fast-cut overstim nonsense like it’s a sugar rush for the brain.)

  
  

8. Encourage Storytelling

Ask open-ended questions:

“What happened at school today?”“Can you tell that story in BM / English too?”

You’re encouraging output, which is where language really starts to shine.

What If My Child Is Delayed in One Language?

Totally normal! Many bilingual children start speaking a little later or may show a stronger preference for one language first. This isn’t a delay — it’s their brain sorting out two systems. Keep exposing both languages gently, and they’ll catch up in time.

But — if your child:

• Struggles to speak clearly in either language after age 3,

• Has difficulty following simple instructions,

• Or shows frustration when trying to communicate…

  
  

…it’s worth bringing it up with your paediatrician or KKIA nurse. Early support makes a big difference, especially for speech delays.

Common Concerns

“My child is quiet in one language.”

Totally normal. Often, one language is “input” and the other is “output.” Over time, they’ll even out.

“Won’t they get confused?”

Not if exposure is consistent. Their brain can separate and process both naturally.

“I don’t speak English well.”

Don’t worry. Read simple books together. Watch short shows. Learn alongside your child — it becomes a bonding moment!

Final Word: Keep It Fun

Raising a bilingual child isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, consistency, and a whole lot of patience. So speak, sing, play, and read — in whatever language you can — and trust that your child’s brain is doing incredible work behind the scenes.

The goal? A child who can say “I love you” and “Saya sayang kamu” — and mean it both ways.

In many Malaysian homes, children grow up hearing more than one language — and that’s a gift. But it can also lead to questions like:

“Will my child get confused?”

“Should we speak BM or English at home?”

“Can they catch up if we switch languages later?”

Don’t worry. With gentle guidance and daily exposure, your child can become confident in both.