Exploring the Effects of English as a Foreign Language on the First Language Development in Young Greek Children

This study examined the effects of Early Second Language Acquisition (ESLA) on First Language Development (FLD) in young children (ages four to five) within the Greek educational context, focusing on the introduction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in kindergarten curricula. Grounded in the theoretical framework of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST), the study critically assessed the influence of early EFL exposure on key linguistic domains, including Phonological Awareness, Receptive and Expressive Language, and Literacy Skills. The research employed an Exploratory Concurrent Mixed Methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collected through the Logometro® language assessment tool.
The analysis contrasted two cohorts: children who received early EFL instruction and those enrolled in monolingual Greek educational settings. The findings demonstrated statistically significant advancements in the FLD of children exposed to EFL, with pronounced improvements observed across most measured domains. Notably, these children exhibited substantial gains in Phonological Awareness, with mean scores doubling following the intervention, alongside marked enhancements in Receptive and Literacy Skills and mild improvement in Expressive Language. Contrary to concerns that early EFL exposure may hinder native language proficiency, the results indicated a synergistic effect whereby bilingual education enhanced FLD.
These findings carry profound implications for educational policy and pedagogical practice, particularly in light of the increasing global prominence of English as a lingua franca. This dissertation provided empirically substantiated recommendations for designing and implementing EFL programs in early childhood education, advocating for their broader integration to foster comprehensive linguistic development. The study contributed to the academic discourse on bilingual education, offering insights that advanced both theoretical understanding and practical application within diverse educational contexts.