engleski

TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO YOUNG LEARNERS: LOOKING BACKWARDS, LOOKING FORWARDS

The author focuses on teaching foreign languages to young learners from the diachronic and synchronic points of view. Insights from the relevant theories as well as teaching practices that have so far been developed in various parts of the world is presented and discussed. Examples are also drawn from the Croatian experiences in teaching one of four world languages to young beginners. Implications of these findings, as well as those obtained elsewhere, are looked into and commented on. The issues discussed include: understanding of language acquisition by young children, the optimal age factor, implications of cognitive and affective learner factors, the role of young learners’ language and cultural awareness, young learners’ awareness of learning styles and strategies as well as approaches to teaching young learners. Areas of controversy and aspects of teaching foreign languages to young learners that merit further research are outlined.

age factor; teaching young learners; early language learning programmes

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