Browsing by Subject "kaksi- ja monikielisyys"

The aim of this study is to represent, children`s thoughts about languages, bi- and multilingualism and language learning. The topic was examined by means of the following research questions: 1. How children perceive languages and their appearance in the kindergarten, 2. How children are defining bi- and multilingualism in kindergarten and 3. How children define language learning. The aim of the study is to represent languages as a phenomenon from the children’s viewpoint with their own voice. On the other hand, the study aims to show the effects of a multilingual kindergarten environment from the views of the children about the languages in their own environment. This study was executed as a qualitative study in one kindergarten group. The methods used were halfstructured theme interview and action research. The study involved in total fifteen (15) children from whom seven took part along with group interviews to individual interviews. The children which took part in the research were aged 36 years by the time of research. Half of the children had bi- or multilingual backround. The research took place in the kindergartengroup combined in the familiar everyday routines of the gorup. Research material was analyzed using the content analysis -method. Interviews and the action research reveal that the age group of kindergarten children language world has multilingual features over monolingual. In addition, children understand the phenomenon of languages and language learning effortlessly and receive them in a positive way and were eager to learn more. Notable point is that children are experiencing language learning despite their young age. From their point of view languages are learned mostly in social interaction between peers or with an adult. Based on the interviews kindergarten aged children are having special interest in learning English. Research reveals that different languages and multilingualism affects even young children and are a part of child’s everyday life through varied language environments and media content. According to the research results handling bi- and multilingualism, children identify their own and the peer`s language proficiency levels. Results reveal that there is a clear link between multilingual skills of the group and the enthusiasm to learn languages of their choice. Which is a result of exposure to multilingualism in the goup. Even though the children experienced the language environment in the kindergarten to be open, they knowingly restrained themselves from speaking their second language speaking in certain situations. Throughout the research, it is possible to gain valuable knowledge about the state of languages in children lives told with their own voice.