Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.31192/np.20.3.9
Early English Language Learning from the Perspective of Parents of Very Young and Young Learners
Mirna Erk
; J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of education, Osijek, Croatia
Tijana Borovac
orcid.org/0000-0002-7802-1288
; J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of education, Osijek, Croatia
Sandra Brezetić
orcid.org/0000-0002-3672-7450
; J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of humanities and social sciences, Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Parents around the world seem to share an attitude that an earlier start of foreign language learning guarantees successful acquisition. A study with parents (N=131) of very young and young learners about their attitude towards early EFL in the Croatian/local environment has been presented. The research design included background variables that have been recognized in the available research as important attitudinal factors. Two questionnaires served as instruments of data collection. Differences between attitudes of parents of very young and young learners were examined. Overall, the results revealed a positive attitude towards early learning of English which is not influenced by parental age, level of education, perceived family status, or the perception of a child’s formal EFL learning experience. Only mothers’ active use of English at work contributed to a more positive attitude to early EFL. Although an association was found between perceived family status and an earlier start, no differences in the attitude to early EFL were found between parents who enrolled their child into non-formal pre-primary learning and the parents whose children started learning English formally at school entry. Questions of (in)equality of educational opportunities are raised and a need is stressed for more research on family-related influences on policy and outcomes of early English learning.
Keywords
early English language learning; formal learning of EFL; non-formal learning of EFL; parental attitude; sociodemographic factors
Hrčak ID:
285758
URI
Publication date:
16.11.2022.
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