THE INFLUENCE OF A MULTILINGUAL ENVIRONMENT ON THE SPEECH DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

This article presents the results of a practical study on the impact of multilingual environments on the speech development of children and adolescents. Conducted exclusively in library settings, the research involved the examination and analysis of academic literature from the fields of linguistics, psychology, and education. The aim was to understand how multilingual exposure affects language acquisition, fluency, and cognitive development. Findings indicate that while multilingualism can enhance metalinguistic awareness and communication skills, it can also introduce complexities such as code-switching and temporary language delays. The article concludes with specific recommendations for educators, parents, and speech therapists to support balanced language development in multilingual contexts.