Phnom Penh is a multilingual city, where many children grow up learning Khmer alongside English, Chinese, or another second language. While this offers rich cognitive benefits, it can sometimes raise concerns about speech and language development. Parents often ask: Is my child’s delay due to learning two languages—or is something else going on?

At OrbRom Center, we work closely with bilingual families to assess and support children’s communication needs. Speech therapy for bilingual children in Phnom Penh is not about reducing language exposure—it’s about helping children succeed in both languages while addressing any underlying speech or language difficulties.

Is Bilingualism Causing My Child’s Speech Delay?

The short answer: No. Bilingualism does not cause speech delays. However, speech or language disorders may become more noticeable when a child is trying to learn two languages at once. A bilingual child might:

  • Mix words from different languages

  • Speak later than monolingual peers (but still within normal range)

  • Understand more than they can express

  • Show confusion when switching between languages

If your child shows signs of difficulty in both languages—such as trouble following directions, limited vocabulary, or poor speech clarity—it’s time to consult a speech-language therapist.

OrbRom Center offers Developmental Assessments to help determine if your child’s speech and language development is on track, whether they’re learning one language or two.

How Speech Therapy Helps Bilingual Children

Speech therapy doesn’t ask families to choose one language over the other. At OrbRom Center, we recognize the cultural and practical importance of multilingualism in Cambodia and design therapy plans that respect and support both languages.

Therapy may include:

  • Strengthening the dominant language to build a solid foundation

  • Using visual aids and gestures that support understanding in both languages

  • Teaching vocabulary and grammar through play, books, and repetition

  • Focusing on speech clarity to improve pronunciation across languages

  • Supporting code-switching (the ability to move between languages smoothly)

Our therapists are trained to distinguish between typical bilingual patterns and actual language disorders.

Visit our Speech Therapy Services page to learn more.

Common Challenges Bilingual Children May Face

Even when no disorder is present, bilingual children may need extra support in certain areas:

  • Pronunciation difficulties: Sounds may be different between the two languages (e.g., “th” in English doesn’t exist in Khmer).

  • Word retrieval issues: The child knows the word but can’t recall it quickly.

  • Grammar differences: Children may apply rules from one language to another.

  • Reduced confidence: A child may speak less if they’re unsure of the “right” word.

Speech therapy helps clarify and correct these issues while building a child’s confidence in both languages.

Tools to Support Communication at Home

At home, parents can use consistent strategies and sensory tools to support their child’s bilingual development and communication comfort. Sensory-friendly environments are especially helpful for children who become overwhelmed or distracted.

Here are tools from our Phnom Penh-based shop that help create a calm space for learning:

These resources help maximize the benefits of speech therapy—especially for children with attention or sensory needs.

Parent Tips for Supporting Bilingual Speech Development

  • Speak in the language you’re most comfortable with. Don’t feel pressured to speak English if Khmer is your stronger language (or vice versa).

  • Expose your child to rich language input in both languages. Books, songs, and conversations help build vocabulary.

  • Avoid correcting code-mixing. Mixing languages is normal and part of learning.

  • Narrate daily activities. This builds context-rich language in any language.

  • Practice speech sounds with fun games like rhyming, clapping syllables, or repeating words.

We provide guidance and tools for families to support bilingual development at home.

Why Phnom Penh Families Trust OrbRom Center

OrbRom Center is one of Phnom Penh’s most trusted providers of speech therapy services. We specialize in culturally responsive, bilingual-friendly therapy that respects Cambodia’s unique linguistic environment.

We also offer:

Support Your Bilingual Child’s Speech Journey Today

Raising a bilingual child is a gift—but sometimes that journey needs extra support. If your child is struggling to communicate in either language, don’t wait.

Visit our Speech Therapy Services page to book a consultation or learn more. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we help bilingual children find their voice—clearly and confidently.