In recent years, early English education has become a widespread trend in both Japan and Korea. Many parents believe that teaching their children English from a young age is essential for their future competitiveness. English kindergartens, after-school English programs, and even English camps are becoming the norm. But is this early exposure to English truly beneficial for children’s future?
As a mother raising two children in Japan with a Japanese husband, I have had my own experiences that lead me to question this trend. At home, I mostly spoke to my children in Korean, but once they started elementary school, Japanese naturally became their dominant language. Faced with the pressure of adding English education on top of everything, I sought advice from a Kazakhstani linguist I met at my child’s daycare. What she told me was surprising: “There is no need to teach a foreign language before the mother tongue is fully developed.”
Her reasoning was simple. Trying to learn a foreign language while the native language is still developing is not only inefficient but can also cause confusion and stress for the child. This advice was a turning point for me, freeing me from the pressure of early English education and allowing me to focus on helping my children develop their mother tongue skills first.
When my daughter graduated from elementary school and had some free time before starting middle school, we went through the middle school English textbook together. Rather than diving deep into complex grammar rules, I focused on giving her a broad understanding of the language’s structure and concepts. Instead of getting bogged down by difficult terminology, I explained why certain grammar rules exist and in what situations they are used. This helped her see the bigger picture of the English language. By the time she reached the second year of middle school, she voluntarily asked to join an English tutoring class.
From that point on, my daughter began watching English-language movies with subtitles on her own, enjoying the process and gradually building his skills. Through this experience, I realized once again that the key to successful foreign language learning is interest and motivation, which naturally arise after a strong foundation in the mother tongue is established.
Language is simply a tool for communication. What matters is that children do not feel pressured when learning a language and can find enjoyment in both their native language and a foreign language. We should let go of the anxiety surrounding early English education and prioritize helping our children become proficient in their native language first. If a child later feels the need to learn a foreign language, it is never too late to start then.
I hope that parents can reduce the time and money spent on early English education and instead invest that precious time in enjoying moments with their children.
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Shumei University / Waseda University lecturer
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