ERIC Number: EJ841072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1479-0718
EISSN: N/A
Young Children Learning Languages in a Multilingual Context
Kirsch, Claudine
International Journal of Multilingualism, v3 n4 p258-279 2006
Luxembourg is a trilingual country where residents communicate in Luxembourgish, French and German concurrently. Children therefore study these languages at primary school. In this paper I explore how six eight-year-old Luxembourgish children use and learn German, French and English in formal and informal settings over a period of one year. Their eagerness to learn and use German and English contrasted with their cautious and formal approach to the learning of French. My findings demonstrate that second language learning in a multilingual country is not an "automatic" or "natural" process but, rather, children's language behaviour depends on their personal goals, interests, competence, confidence and understanding of what counts as appropriate language use. These factors are influenced by the formal approach to language learning at school. (Contains 2 tables, 4 figures and 1 note.)
Descriptors: Second Languages, Multilingualism, Second Language Learning, Foreign Countries, French, German, English (Second Language), Goal Orientation, Child Behavior, Interests, Self Esteem, Language Usage, Children
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Luxembourg
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A