Policy and Politics in Global Primary English

Janet Enever explores the complex forces that shape nationaland local language education policymaking for the earlyintroduction of English as a foreign language at primary andpre-primary levels worldwide. This is the first book of itskind demonstrating the extent to which English is nowperceived as a prerequisite for participation in the globaleconomy, reflecting the rapid development of early startEnglish now exploding across Asia, Latin America, and otherfast-growing economies. This is a timely and important book. Professor Eneverdemonstrates comprehensive knowledge of primary Englishpolicy and practice in a range of countries and, from a soundtheoretical framework, draws together evidence to showhow policies are all too often guided by short-term politicalconsiderations rather than sound educational practice. Whilst critiquing inappropriate practice, she also analysesthe conditions which have the potential to lead to quality and equitable English language programmes at theprimary level. David Hayes, Department of Applied Linguistics,Brock University, Canada