Expert socio-linguistic of Gajah Mada University, Kunjan Rahadi said, “Introduction of foreign language too early will be negative impact on mother language, especially at first until third class. Good mastery of mother language (Indonesia) or region language well will help to mastery another foreign language (voaindonesia.com, 12/10/2012). Someone can understand another language if he has a basic language, moreover a children. Usually its phenomena happen in hinterland people of Indonesia where they do not know another language except them region language.
For parents who teach everything to the kid including language, should pay attention with when the kid will learn foreign language. Teaching foreign language or second language early will make children difficult to understand which language he will use. Better for parents to teach the national language first, before foreign language for example English. Tiara as student English study program in STAIN Palangka Raya said, “English language teaching in early childhood can lead them to confuse their own language, may not even recognize their own language”.
Many people believe that learning English as a foreign language if started at an early age before the child reaches the critical period, the age of 12-13 years, will provide better result, although until now there has been no empirical evidence that reinforces the opinion (Nunan, 1999 ). Because someone proficiency level is not only influenced by the age factor but also other factors, such as the type of program and curriculum, duration of learning, techniques and activities used (Rixon, 2000).
From some of the problems above, we would think that teaching English at an early age negative impact for children. Actually not, on the other hand teaching English language to early childhood is essential. One reason for the importance of teaching English language in early childhood is a free factor of globalization. One of reason marked it is, is the easier it and one individual, even among nations, in different places and are in other parts of the world relate to other people in real time. One implication of globalization is the emergence of new opportunities of global (Graddol, 1997).
There are some advantages for children to learn a foreign language. The first advantage relates to intellectual development. Children who learn a foreign language at an early age has the advantage in linguistic also non-linguistic. They have more mental flexibility, superiority in the formation of concepts over the natural phenomena around him, and have a wider range of mental abilities. Freudenstein (1991:18-21). Restrict a child to learn English is a big mistake if see the words above.
An early age is the right age to teaching English, but in the right way. Alam (12/01/14) said, “Teaching English at an early age is to train the brain to memorize vocabulary children and also train the ability of motor nerves and the brain. Because in pronouncing the English language is not arbitrary and there demonstrated the level of intelligence of children.” Whereas Ima as English student program said, “English language teaching in early childhood to provide basic knowledge of the English language, so be easy on the next day.
Teaching English to early age need different ways and technique. Learners at the elementary level or early childhood are young learners, where their concentration levels will not be more from 90 minutes in following the lesson, so that teachers are required to provide a fun learning (Wulandari, 2012: 2). She also said, English vocabulary for children is a basic element that is essential for the ability to speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Actually wisdom of incorporate the English subjects in primary schools began with the advent of the Department of Education No.. 0487/1992, Chapter VIII, which states that elementary schools can add to the subjects in the curriculum. Therefore, some school put in English in their curriculum. However, after 21 years became know only that English education in elementary schools have a negative impact, so the government will abolish it.
In short that incorporate
or eliminate English subject in elementary schools where they are expose
too early to take it have the positive side and the negative side.
After all teaching English is very important taught from an early age
because it requires development era. If not in school, taught at home.
Starting from the introduction of how to read the letters of the
alphabet then to a higher level.
