Early language learning is, as mentioned above, a strategic focus in many educational systems
across the world, as language skills – specifically in English – are understood to contribute to forging
competent 21st century learners and citizens. Edelenbos et al (2006) for instance report that since the
late 1990s there has been an increase in the early teaching of English in a number of countries in
Europe. Similar tendencies are seen outside Europe (Meyer, Sørensen, Hanghøj & Birch Andreasen
2011, Graddol 2006). The idea behind these initiatives is generally that early language learning will
produce successful language learners, a perspective that can also be found in research, where an
early language start is often seen as an advantage.
However, where the political arguments for teaching languages to young learners are generally clear,
the recommendations made by research are more cautious and often stress that the age of the pupils
is not the only parameter for successful learning (Blondin et al. 1998, Edelenbos 2006).