Heritage Language Early Years’ Immersion: Irish-Medium Preschools in Ireland

Early years’ education through a heritage language offers vital support for many minority languages, often catering both for heritage speakers (HSs) who need mother-tongue support, and for heritage language learners (HLLs) beginning to acquire the language as L2. In this chapter, the development, role, and functioning of immersion preschools in the Republic of Ireland will be examined. The chapter will discuss the contribution of such preschools to building support for the immersion model for L2 learners, while also (in some areas) providing vital support for the mother-tongue maintenance of Irish. Research outcomes from this sector will be outlined, and current issues and challenges explored. The effect of the decline of intergenerational transmission will be considered, and resulting challenges for the sector. Future research will explore improved supports for parents regarding minority language maintenance in the home, the promotion of better educational partnership with the parents of L2 learners, promotion of continuity between preschool and primary school, and enhanced preparation for educators. Finally, challenges such as difficulties in staffing and resourcing quality early years’ education through a minority language, and accelerated changes in Irish and the sociolinguistic context et al., will be discussed in relation to current and future practice in early years’ immersion education in Irish.