Early Language Learning: Complexity and Mixed Methods - Paperback

by Janet Enever (Editor), Eva Lindgren (Editor)

This is the first collection of research studies to explore the potential for mixed methods to shed light on foreign or second language learning by young learners in instructed contexts. It brings together recent studies undertaken in Cameroon, China, Croatia, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the UK. Themes include English as an additional language, English as a second or foreign language, French as a modern foreign language, medium of instruction controversies and content and language integrated learning (CLIL). The volume reviews the choice of research methodologies for early language learning research in schools with a particular focus on mixed methods and proposes that in the multidisciplinary context of early language learning this paradigm allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence than other approaches might provide. The collection will be of interest to in-service and trainee teachers of young language learners, graduate students in the field of TESOL and early language learning, teacher educators, researchers and policymakers.

Author Biography

Janet Enever is Professor of Language Teaching and Learning at Umeå University, Sweden and Visiting Professor at University of Reading, UK. Her research interests include early language learning, language policy, globalisation and language learning, and pre-school language learning.

Eva Lindgren is Associate Professor of Language Teaching and Learning at Umeå University, Sweden. Her research interests include early language learning, literacy, minority/indigenous education and multilingualism.