Early Language Learning Policy in the 21st Century An International Perspective

“This volume is a relevant resource that comprehensively confronts the intricate aspects of early language learning policies. … the book pivots on the policies enacted in distinct polities that facilitate, yet sometimes impede, positive language learning and teaching conditions. … this edited volume is a credible work. It is a welcome addition to the scant literature that analyzes policies and provides insights into factors affecting young language learners from around the world.” (Eloise Caporal-Ebersold, Language Policy, Vol. 23 (1), 2024)

“Zein and Coady’s edited volume brings together an excellent collection of case studies on different dimensions of early language policy. Both well informed scholars and lay readers will appreciate the detailed description of the case studies, as well as the thought-provoking suggestions to improve the conditions of early language teaching. … future policy directions are clearly proposed, and researchers working in this field will find these discussions to be essential reading.” (Asier Calzada, Language Teaching for Young Learners, Issue 2, 2022)

Subhan Zein (Ph.D., Australian National University) teaches at the University of Queensland, Australia. He is the author of Language policy in superdiverse Indonesia (Routledge, 2020) and the lead editor of Early language learning and teacher education: International research and practice (Multilingual Matters, 2019) and English language teacher preparation in Asia: Policy, research and practice (Routledge, 2018); he is also the editor of Teacher education for English as a lingua franca: Perspectives from Indonesia (Routledge, 2018). He is Asia TEFL Director of Research Publications and Principal Investigator of the British Council’s English across ASEAN Education Systems Scoping Research (2020-2021).

Maria Coady is a Professor of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Bilingual Education at the University of Florida. Dr. Coady is the past Chair of the Florida Association for Bilingual Education (FABE) and the AERA Bilingual Education Research special interest group. She was awarded the Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award by AERA in 2020 and the Distinguished Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences by the Fulbright Commission for work in Poland in 2021.