Early Language Learning Policy in the 21st Century: An International Perspective

by Subhan Zein (Editor), Maria R. Coady (Editor)

Overview

This volume analyses the policymaking, expectations, implementation, progress, and outcomes of early language learning in various education policy contexts worldwide. The contributors to the volume are international researchers specialising in language policy and early language learning and their contributions aim to advance scholarship on early language learning policies and inform policymaking at the global level. 

The languages considered include learning English as a second language in primary schools in Japan, Mexico, Serbia, Argentina, and Tanzania; Spanish language education in the US and Australia; Arabic as a second language in Israel and Bangladesh; Chinese in South America and Oceania; and finally, early German teaching and learning in France and the UK.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030762513
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	09/22/2021
Series:	Language Policy , #26
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Subhan Zein (Ph.D., Australian National University) teaches at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is the author of Language policy in superdiverse Indonesia (Routledge, 2020) and the lead editor of Early language learning and teacher education: International research and practice (Multilingual Matters, 2019) and English language teacher preparation in Asia: Policy, research and practice (Routledge, 2018); he is also the editor of Teacher education for English as a lingua franca: Perspectives from Indonesia (Routledge, 2018). He is Asia TEFL Director of Research Publications and Principal Investigator of the British Council’s English across ASEAN Education Systems Scoping Research (2020-2021).
Maria Coady is a Professor of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Bilingual Education at the University of Florida. Dr. Coady is the past Chair of the Florida Association for Bilingual Education (FABE) and the AERA Bilingual Education Research special interest group. She was awarded the Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award by AERA in 2020 and the Distinguished Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences by the Fulbright Commission for work in Poland in 2021.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction to Early Language Learning Policy in the 21st Century.- Part 1. Providing Access and Strengthening Community.- Chapter 2. Struggling for a Diverse but Fair Policy: Policy Challenges to Implementing English at the Primary School Level in Japan.- Chapter 3. Early childhood foreign language learning and teaching in Serbia: A Critical Overview of Language Education Policy and Planning in Varying Historical Contexts.- Chapter 4. Early Mandarin Learning and Language-In-Education Policy and Planning in the Oceania.- Part 2. Redesigning Curriculum and Enhancing Instruction.- Chapter 5. Intercultural Understanding in Early Spanish Language Learning: A Policy Perspective from Queensland, Australia.- Chapter 6. Arabic as an Early Language Learning Provision in Bangladesh: Policy Perspectives.- Chapter 7. Early English Language Learning in Tanzania in Relation to Language Policy.- Part 3. Preparing High Quality Teachers.- Chapter 8. Long Tradition, New Scenarios forEarly English Language Learning Policy in Argentina.- Chapter 9. Early Arabic Language Learning Policies and Practices in Israel: Historical and Political Factors.- Chapter 10. Where Have Personnel Policies on Early English Language Learning Taken us in Mexico so far?.- Part 4. Connecting Domains Across Language Policy.- Chapter 11. The Context of Schooling for Early Learners of Spanish in the United States.- Chapter 12. Early Mandarin Learning in South America: Present and Future Directions.- Chapter 13. German Teaching and Learning in Early Years and Primary Schools in the UK.- Conclusion.- Chapter 14. Language Policy for Starting Early, Reflections and Considerations.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This exciting book brings all new attention to an often overlooked but critically important issue. Zein and Coady make a compelling argument to move beyond debates over critical periods and benefits of early language learning, and instead engage in practical language policy research that best informs the conditions under which early language learning programs can be most successful for teachers and young children. The rich international examples from expert scholars across six continents and several world languages perfectly captures the complexities of early language learning policy making and implementation.” (Wayne Wright, Professor, Purdue University, USA)

“Zein and Coady break new ground with this publication – an edited collection of papers providing insights to the implementation of widely spoken languages in the primary school curriculum. Policies for the introduction of Arabic, German, Kiswahili, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are discussed alongside English as a foreign language, adopting a historical approach in accounting for how the neoliberal turn presents a continuing challenge to valuing languages other than English. Each chapter is informed by the author’s detailed knowledge of the policy context, including countries as diverse as Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Serbia, Tanzania, United Kingdom and United States. Together, this collection serves as a rallying call to policy makers for comprehensive investment in additional language programmes for early language learners. I strongly recommend this volume for graduate students, researchers and decision-makers interested in understanding the challenges of early language teaching policy and practice worldwide.” (Janet Enever, Professor Emerita, Umeå University, Sweden)

Editorial Reviews

This volume is a relevant resource that comprehensively confronts the intricate aspects of early language learning policies. … the book pivots on the policies enacted in distinct polities that facilitate, yet sometimes impede, positive language learning and teaching conditions. … this edited volume is a credible work. It is a welcome addition to the scant literature that analyzes policies and provides insights into factors affecting young language learners from around the world.” (Eloise Caporal-Ebersold, Language Policy, Vol. 23 (1), 2024)

“Zein and Coady’s edited volume brings together an excellent collection of case studies on different dimensions of early language policy. Both well informed scholars and lay readers will appreciate the detailed description of the case studies, as well as the thought-provoking suggestions to improve the conditions of early language teaching. … future policy directions are clearly proposed, and researchers working in this field will find these discussions to be essential reading.” (Asier Calzada, Language Teaching for Young Learners, Issue 2, 2022)

From the Publisher