Bilingual Mums' Bond With Children Remains Strong, Study Finds
On International Mother Language Day, new research suggests that switching between languages does not weaken the emotional bond between bilingual mothers and their children.
The study, published in Frontiers in Cognition, explored whether speaking in a second language affects neural synchrony — the alignment of brain activity between two people during interaction.
How The Study Was Conducted
Researchers observed fifteen bilingual mother-child pairs. Mothers were non-native English speakers but fluent in English as a second language, while children were bilingual from early childhood.
Each pair participated in a 45-minute play session divided into three phases: 1. Interaction in the mother’s native language 2. Interaction in English 3. Independent silent play
Both mother and child wore non-invasive caps measuring oxygen concentration changes in the brain.
Key Findings
Results showed that neural synchrony remained strong regardless of whether mothers spoke their native language or English. Synchrony was significantly higher during interactive play compared to independent play.
Strong activation was observed in the frontal cortex — the area linked to planning, reasoning, emotional processing, and decision-making.
What This Means
Researchers concluded that speaking a second language does not disrupt the emotional and neurological connection between bilingual mothers and their children.
However, future research may explore families with different language proficiency levels or interactions beyond the family setting, such as teachers or caregivers.
Speaking a Second Language Does Not Weaken Mother-Child Bond, Study Finds
[On International Mother Language Day, new research offers reassuring news for bilingual families across Europe. A study published in Frontiers in Cognition has found that speaking a second language does not reduce the emotional or neurological connection between mothers and their children. In multilingual households — common in countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, and across Scandinavia — parents often switch between languages during daily interactions. Many mothers have wondered whether speaking in a non-native language might affect emotional bonding with their children. According to this new research, the answer appears to be no. What Is Neural Synchrony? Neural synchrony refers to the alignment of brain activity between two individuals during social interaction. When two people are emotionally connected — especially during parent-child bonding — their brain activity patterns can become synchronised. Scientists believe this synchrony plays an essential role in healthy child development, emotional regulation, and attachment security. How the Study Was Conducted The research team analysed fifteen bilingual mother-child pairs. The mothers were fluent English speakers but had learned English as a second language later in life. Their children were bilingual from early childhood. Each pair participated in a 45-minute structured play session divided into three stages: Interaction in the mother’s native language Interaction in English Independent silent play Both mother and child wore lightweight, non-invasive caps that measured oxygen concentration changes in blood vessels across the brain — an indicator of neural activity. Key Findings The results were striking. Neural synchrony between mother and child remained strong whether they were speaking the mother’s native language or English. Synchrony was significantly stronger during interactive play compared to when mother and child played independently. The strongest activity was observed in the frontal cortex — the region associated with emotional processing, planning, reasoning, and decision-making. This suggests that emotional bonding and shared attention are more important than the specific language being used. What This Means for European Families Across Europe, bilingualism is increasingly common. Families often speak one language at home and another at school or work. Migrant families, international marriages, and cross-border professionals frequently raise children in two or more languages. This study reassures parents that using a second language does not weaken attachment or emotional closeness. While some adults report feeling slightly less emotionally expressive in a second language, this did not appear to disrupt neural synchrony during natural play interactions. Emotional Distance in Second Languages? Previous research has suggested that adults who learn a second language later in life may feel a subtle emotional distance when using it. This can influence how affection, discipline, or empathy is expressed. However, the new findings suggest that during genuine interaction — such as playtime — emotional alignment between mother and child remains intact. Limitations and Future Research The study focused on mothers who were already proficient in their second language. Future research may explore: Families where parents are less fluent Situations where children are not bilingual from birth Interactions outside the family (teachers, caregivers, strangers) Understanding these variations could further clarify how language influences social bonding. Why This Research Matters In a globalised Europe, multilingual parenting is normal. Concerns about language barriers affecting emotional connection can create unnecessary stress for parents. This research supports the idea that emotional availability, responsiveness, and shared attention matter far more than vocabulary choice. The bond between a mother and child appears resilient — even when languages change.]
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