European experts discuss Early Language Learning

On Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September, nearly 150 experts from over 30 European countries discussed the opportunities and challenges linked to Early Language Learning at pre-school stage in a conference organised by the European Commission back-to-back with the celebrations of the European Day of Languages 2009.

The conference was officially opened by Leonard Orban, European Commissioner in charge of Multilingualism. Participating academics and practitioners highlighted significant cognitive and psychological aspects and discussed concrete success factors and key challenges involved in teaching languages to young children of pre-school age. The conference programme included the official presentation of the Piccolingo campaign on Early Language Learning. The campaign aims at raising parents' awareness of the benefits of early language learning and at providing practical information and support.