Introducing English as a Second Language to Early Primary School Curriculum in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Teaching and learning language at early ages is easier than learning it at older ages as Chiswick & Miller, (2007) emphasized in their study that proficiency in spoken English decreases with age. With that notion in mind, it comes as a surprise that the English language is introduced so late in the public school education curriculum in Saudi Arabia. This article begins with an overview of introducing the English language in Saudi Arabia. Next, the critical period hypotheses of second language acquisition is used to analyze different studies pertaining to the introduction of English language at primary schools in various countries. Finally, the article is concluding with the implications of the research by offering practical suggestions that teachers can use to support their teaching of young students.