EARLY FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT PRESCHOOL AGE

Abstract

The relevance of the topic arises from the increasing international communication and connections between different nations. In the contemporary world, the ability to speak foreign languages is becoming essential as it contributes to personal development, communication with the world, understanding of other cultures, access to information sources, and exchange of information with people from other countries. Early foreign language teaching/learning allows us to take advantage of the age period, which provides favorable for language learning and improves learning outcomes in later stages. Research reveals that early language teaching/learning improves language skills and promotes cognitive development, problem-solving abilities, and cultural understanding.

The research on this topic is valuable and necessary in order to achieve a deeper understanding and find practical solutions that can help teach foreign languages more effectively to preschool children. The research problem arises from concerns that early foreign language teaching at preschool age may hinder the development of children’s native language. In Lithuania, there is a lack of a unified opinion on this issue, and the topic has not been widely discussed by scientists. Foreign research reveals that early language teaching/learning can positively impact children's cognitive development and language skills. However, in Lithuania, discussions are still continuing regarding the impact of this teaching on children's native language. Finding ways to integrate foreign language teaching effectively into the preschool curriculum without harming children's native language is essential. Aim of the Paper: To explore the possibilities of early foreign language teaching/learning at the preschool age. Objectives of the Paper. To justify the relevance of early foreign language teaching/learning at the preschool age from a theoretical perspective. To empirically determine the views of teachers and speech therapists on its relevance. Methods. Analysis of scientific literature and documents; verbal survey (interviews). The results: Foreign language learning in preschool age: stimulates brain activity, helps develop memory, creativity, problem-solving skills, and makes it easier to learn and master other subjects, including mathematics and natural sciences. Scientists emphasize that early foreign language learning can give children self-confidence and enthusiasm for language learning and school. Without much effort, children can develop pronunciation, intonation, expand their vocabulary, and master linguistic structures. Children learn best through games, songs, or active activities – this helps them naturally absorb new words and phrases. Using pictures, animations, or colourful illustrations can help children associate language with specific objects or actions. It should be emphasized that regular language repetition is important – by repeating words and phrases, children can strengthen their foreign language skills. Reading, the use of ICT, immersion and other methods all help to create a supportive environment in which children can learn foreign languages naturally and enjoyably.

The results of the preliminary study showed that teachers and speech therapists speak positively about early foreign language learning, highlighting its usefulness and importance for children's linguistic, social and cognitive development. Speech therapists more often emphasize an individual approach to each child's language development and possible challenges for children with language disorders. They note that teaching foreign languages can potentially complicate the phonological system of the native language for children with language disorders. Teachers emphasize cognitive benefits, such as developing memory, concentration and problem-solving, as well as cultural awareness and tolerance. Speech therapists recommend starting to learn foreign languages as early as possible, some even from infancy. Teachers also believe that foreign language learning should begin at the age of 3–4 or even from infancy, emphasizing that early language learning develops the brain and helps to more easily acquire language through natural situations.