Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Traditionally, children have begun studying foreign languages at secondary school, but introducing them earlier is recommended by some
educationalists
.
This
policy has been adopted by some educational authorities or individual schools, with both positive and negative outcomes. The obvious argument in its favour is that young children pick up languages much more easily than teenagers. Their brains are still programmed to acquire their mother tongue, which facilitates learning another
language
, and unlike adolescents, they are not inhibited by self-consciousness. The greater flexibility of the primary timetable allows for more frequent, shorter sessions and for a
play
Suggestion
playful
centred approach,
thus
maintaining learners' enthusiasm and progress. Their command of the
language
in later life will benefit from
this
early exposure while learning other languages
subsequently
will be easier for them. They may
also
gain a better understanding of other cultures. There are,
however
, some disadvantages. Primary
schools
Suggestion
school
teachers are generalists, and may not have the necessary skill themselves. If specialists have to be brought in to deliver these sessions, the flexibility referred to above is diminished. If primary
language
teaching is not standardised, secondary schools could be faced with a great variety of levels
in
Suggestion
of
different languages within their intake, resulting in a classroom experience which undoes the earlier gains. There is no advantage if enthusiastic primary pupils become
demotivated
as soon as they change schools.
However
, these issues can be addressed strategically within the policy adopted. Anything which encourages
language
learning benefits society culturally and economically, and early exposure to
language
learning contributes to
this
. Young children's innate abilities should be harnessed to make these benefits more achievable.
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Topic Vocabulary:
  • cognitive abilities
  • pronunciation
  • self-conscious
  • cultural awareness
  • global society
  • proficiency levels
  • competitive job market
  • foundational skills
  • qualified teachers
  • recreational activities
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