Learning a second language? Develop your mother tongue

As an ESL teacher in a huge English learning country China, Shane thinks learning a second language shouldn’t take the priority over developing mother tongue. In fact, Shane argues developing mother tongue could help children to learn a second or more language.

Shane Leaning is an educator and leader specializing in the acquisition of English language. A passionate internationalist, Shane believes that developing international mindedness in young learners is the best way to prepare them for life in an increasingly globalized world.Shane has a particular interest in how learning a second language can be significantly enhanced by cultivating the mother tongue. He is currently conducting a small-scale research project with King's College London. His research explores how teachers in international schools may better support students learning English as a second language. Shane has been a teacher since 2009 and has taught in China for the last five years. He is currently working in the British School of Guangzhou, leading a team of language specialists to support young learners of English.