Children Learning French: An Attempt at First Principles

Is the learning of a second language best begun in the junior school? Originally published in 1974, the authors draw upon studies of language learning and upon developmental characteristics of children, relating them to second language learning, in order to assess the appropriateness of French to the curriculum. The possibilities and limitations of the task confronting the child are explored.

The book is a practical one with many references to classroom organisation and teaching techniques. The restrictions of imitative learning are relegated to their limited place, and a higher aim is suggested, that of meaningful and productive language use.

Barbara Rapaport, David Westgate