Twin Language

Talking the Same Talk

By Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP

When I visit a shopping or grocery store with my twin boys, well-intentioned people often ask, "Do they have their own language?"

"Yes," I say. "English!"

Idioglossia or "twin language" has been the focus of many research studies and has interested the public for years. It was once believed that twins could develop their own language unrecognizable by others. Today, research indicates that twin language is actually one twin modeling the immature or disordered speech pattern of their co-twin, which results in the incorrect use of speech sounds and grammar by both twins. If you've ever heard two children talking with delayed speech and language, you too may think they're talking in a foreign language.

Why do twins have trouble developing sounds and words? Well, research has suggested that twins are at greater risk for speech and language delays because of higher incidence of prematurity, low birth weight or limited individual communication with their parents.

If your twins are demonstrating delayed speech and language skills, then you know what I'm talking about. It's hard enough trying to communicate with twins, but when one or both are experiencing speech delays, your job gets even harder. "We knew at 18 months old that one of our twins' speech wasn't developing like his brother," says Maria Revell of Dallas, Texas, mother of twin boys. "His brother was talking in words and a few sentences. He was still putting words together and labeling things."

As parents of twins, it is our role to help reduce their risk by providing a language-rich environment. Parents have a critical role in their twins' speech and language development. "We do everything we can. We let our son lead, find out what he is interested in and try to initiate language that way," says Revell. "These are the most important years, and we are trying to take advantage of that."

Want to see more?

• Two Peas in a Pod? Ten Ways to Encourage Individuality in Twin Toddlers
• Do You Hear What I Hear? Hearing Difficulty, Loss and Screening
• Early Intervention Key in Language Development
• Foreign Language Power: Can Babies and Toddlers Become Bilingual or Even Trilingual?
• Talking Toddlers Telling Tales: Speech Milestones and Tips for Parents
• Talk about it!