Naslov
Early language learning today: high expectations facing reality

Autori
Mihaljević Djigunmović, Jelena

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, pp prezentacija, znanstveni

Skup
EFLLAT-2011 Research into Early Foreign Languages Learning and Teaching: Experience and Perspectives

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska, 11.11.2011

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Plenarno

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
early FLL; misconception; research-based evidence

Sažetak
During the last few decades early learning of foreign languages has become increasingly spread and popular in practically all corners of the world. Judging from the growing number of language policy documents related to early start in foreign languages and the loud voices of stakeholders at various levels it is obvious that there is a great awareness of the importance of foreign languages in the modern world. At the same time it is equally obvious from the growing number of language programmes and teaching materials on offer that early language learning has become a huge market too. In spite of the great interest and popularity early foreign language learning worldwide, in many contexts its implementation takes little notice of research-informed insights. Instead, many misconceptions based on popular beliefs, pure intuition and unverified assumptions have led to high and unrealistic expectations that cannot be met in real life. Thus, for example, children are often assumed to be unquestionably successful language learners, able to master any foreign language without difficulty. Positive attitudes, motivation for learning, self-confidence and lack of language anxiety in young foreign language learners seem to be taken for granted. It is also often assumed that teachers of foreign languages to young learners do not need high levels of language proficiency or much teacher education: in some contexts it is still believed that teaching a foreign language to young learners is a very easy job that anyone can do. In this talk we will compare the existing high expectations with what current research tells us about the processes of early foreign language learning and teaching, and about young learners and their teachers. This comparison will be used to suggest how to narrow the gap between expectations and reality that, in our opinion, characterises early language learning today.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Filologija

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