About ELLRA
The Early Language Learning Research Association (ELLRA) is an international network which supports scholarly cooperation and promotes the dissemination of early language learning research.
What is our main research interest?
Children’s language learning in formal educational contexts.
Which age ranges do we research?
Kindergarten / pre-primary (2-5/6 years); primary (6-12 years).
Why this focus?
Substantially more research is needed to clarify what is achievable with children as language learners and effective teaching and learning in diverse global contexts.
Our Mission
To provide opportunities for the early language learning research community to inquire,
innovate, and inspire colleagues around the world.
Our Goals
- Foster Research Synergies
To collaborate on research into the learning and teaching of additional languages within primary and pre-school contexts. - Promote a Global Research Agenda
To encourage the development of a comprehensive agenda for early language
learning research worldwide.
Our Objectives
Create an International Forum
Provide a platform for researchers to share and discuss early language learning
research globally
Promote Scholarly Collaboration
Encourage cooperation among scholars and enhance the dissemination of research findings.
Build Research Networks
Establish and maintain connections with similar research networks and professional associations.
Raise Global Awareness
Highlight the unique aspects and importance of early language learning and teaching worldwide.
Support Member Engagement
Organise events (online, hybrid and face-to-face) designed by and for members.
Facilitate Biennial Conferences
Support the planning and hosting of biennial conferences by ELLRA member
institutions.
History
ELLRA was first established as a research network within the Early Language Learning Research Network (AILA ELL ReN).
Janet Enever launched the ELL ReN in 2015 with the aim of raising the profile of research in early language learning (2-12 years). The purpose was to contribute to the growth of national and regional research groups and to stimulate new research on a range of themes in the field.
The ELL ReN’s two principal objectives were:
To create synergies across research areas concerned with young children learning additional languages in school and pre-school contexts worldwide
To encourage a comprehensive agenda for research in the field of early language learning
Approximately 180 researchers associated themselves with the AILA ELL ReN between 2015 and 2021. During this time, it was supported by AILA, first under the leadership of Janet Enever and then Heather Hilton. After this six-year period, its associated members began the process of federating the network and establishing the Early Language Learning Research Association. ELLRA was officially launched on 15 March 2023, when 70 researchers from around the globe attended the inaugural General Meeting and approved ELLRA’s Statutes and its first Executive Committee.
Transitional Executive Board
Propose the structure and composition of the governing body (Executive Committee) for ELLRA.
Present the Executive Committee proposal at a general meeting by January 2024.
Design a new ELLRA website and logo.
- President: Sandie Mourão (Nova University Lisbon, Portugal)
- Vice-President: Joanna Rokita Jaśkow (Cracow University, Poland)
- Secretary: Sviatlana Karpava (University of Cyprus, Cyprus)
- Treasurer: Nayr Ibrahim (Nord University, Norway)
- Membership Officer: Melanie Ellis (Silesian University of Technology, Poland)
- Board Member / Membership working group: He Sun (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
- Communications Director: David Valente (Nord University, Norway)
- Board Member / Communications working group: María-Jesús Inostroza (University of Concepcion, Chile)
- Board Member / Sponsorship working group: Yan Zhu (Fudan University, China)