Supporting Bilingual Children Through Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

Growing up bilingual can be a major advantage—but for some children, juggling two languages can also lead to communication delays or confusion. In Phnom Penh, many children are raised speaking Khmer at home and learning English at school. While this multilingual environment is enriching, it can sometimes mask or complicate speech and language challenges.

At OrbRom Center, we offer specialized speech therapy for bilingual children, helping them build strong communication foundations in both languages. Our therapists understand the unique needs of bilingual learners and work closely with families to support clear, confident, and effective expression in everyday life.

Bilingualism and Speech Delay: What’s Normal vs. What Needs Support?
It’s important to understand that being bilingual does not cause speech delays. However, bilingual children may develop language skills differently compared to monolingual peers.

Common patterns in bilingual development include:

• Mixing languages in a single sentence (code-switching)

• Using one language more dominantly than the other

• Taking longer to reach milestones in either language, especially in early years

• Difficulty translating concepts across languages

While these are often part of typical bilingual development, there are times when intervention is needed—particularly if a child struggles in both languages, has limited vocabulary overall, or is hard to understand by age 4.

At OrbRom Center, our speech therapists are trained to distinguish between language difference and language disorder, ensuring children aren’t misdiagnosed or left without needed support.

How Speech Therapy Helps Bilingual Children in Phnom Penh
In our multicultural Phnom Penh community, children are constantly navigating between Khmer, English, and sometimes other languages like French or Chinese. This linguistic complexity can create communication stress if a child has speech sound issues, expressive language delays, or processing difficulties.

Speech therapy can help by:

• Enhancing clarity and pronunciation in both languages

• Building vocabulary across both home and school contexts

• Teaching strategies to reduce confusion or mixing

• Supporting social communication in multilingual settings

We always encourage families to maintain their home language, even during therapy. Research shows that strong skills in the first language support second-language learning—not hinder it.

Therapy Techniques at OrbRom Center for Bilingual Learners
OrbRom Center’s speech therapists use bilingual-friendly methods that are culturally sensitive and age-appropriate.

Our sessions may include:

• Contrastive Analysis: Helping the child understand how Khmer and English differ in sounds or grammar

• Language Sampling: Observing and supporting language use in both home and school settings

• Visual Aids: Using picture supports, charts, and stories that bridge both languages

• Functional Goals: Focusing on communication that matters—greetings, asking for help, storytelling, and classroom participation

When needed, we incorporate tools like the Sleep Sound Machine to improve rest and focus, which are both essential for learning and memory retention—especially in bilingual brains.

When to Seek Speech Therapy for a Bilingual Child
Some signs that your bilingual child may benefit from speech therapy include:

• Not speaking in full sentences by age 3.5

• Difficulty understanding directions in both languages

• Being consistently hard to understand, even by family

• Limited vocabulary in both languages

• Trouble switching appropriately between languages in context

At OrbRom Center, our Developmental Assessments include evaluation across both languages when possible. This ensures a more accurate diagnosis and a therapy plan that reflects the child’s real-world needs.

Why OrbRom Center Is the Right Choice for Phnom Penh Families
In a bilingual city like Phnom Penh, families need a speech therapy provider that understands linguistic diversity. OrbRom Center offers:

• Experienced therapists with bilingual assessment skills

• Khmer- and English-speaking therapy sessions

• Tools and resources that support dual-language development

• Collaboration with teachers, schools, and caregivers to ensure carryover

We also support families with additional needs, such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. Our integrated approach helps ensure that bilingual children with complex profiles still receive high-quality, personalized care.

Conclusion: Empowering Bilingual Children to Communicate with Confidence
Bilingualism is a strength, not a setback. With the right support, children in Phnom Penh can thrive in both Khmer and English—building the communication skills they need for success in school, at home, and in their communities.

At OrbRom Center, we’re proud to offer expert speech therapy that honors each child’s linguistic and cultural background. Whether your child is just starting to talk or navigating challenges in both languages, we’re here to help them find their voice.

Explore our Speech Therapy Services to learn more or book an evaluation today.