Konferencje międzynarodowe

4th International Conference on

Early Language Learning and Multilingual Education
in Early Childhood (ELLME’26)

Gdańsk, 8-9 September 2026

The Department of Applied Linguistics, the Department of Pedagogy, and the Department of English and American Studies at the University of Gdańsk, Poland, in cooperation with ELLMEnet (Early Language Learning and Multilingual Education Network), are proud to welcome researchers from around the world to contribute to the 4th International Conference on Early Language Learning and Multilingual Education in Early Childhood.

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the significance of multilingualism in the earliest years of a child’s development cannot be overstated. Acquiring multiple languages during the formative stages of life not only enhances cognitive and linguistic abilities but also fosters a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. This rapidly growing area of research has attracted considerable attention from scholars, educators, and policymakers, as the benefits of early multilingual exposure extend beyond linguistic competence to encompass broader cognitive, sociocultural, and educational dimensions.

The 4th ELLME Conference will serve as a pivotal platform for exploring the complex interplay among language acquisition, cognitive development, and social and family engagement. Promoted by ELLMEnet, this international event aims to analyse and discuss issues related to multilingualism — in its broadest sense — from birth to the beginning of compulsory schooling (typically at 6–7 years of age), as well as in the early grades of primary education (Grades 1–3, approximately up to age 9).

Researchers, PhD students, and practitioners are invited to present research- or practice-oriented contributions related to children from birth to approximately 9 years of age, situated in any multilingual context (second language, foreign language, additional language, minority language, heritage language, sign language, etc.).

Possible topics of interest

1. Early language/multilingual acquisition
2. Early bi-/multilingual education
3. Early bi-/multilingual identity
4. Multilingual and transnational families
5. Second or foreign (L2/F2) language teaching/learning at preschool
6. Classroom practices in early multilingual education
7. Methodological and ethical issues in early multilingual research
8. Teacher education on multilingualism
9. Multilingual policies for early language learners

Keynote speakers

So as to encourage discussions, the following international keynotes have been invited to contribute to the conference:

• Prof. Thomai Alexiou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
• Prof. Joanna Rokita-Jaśków, University of the National Education Commission, Poland
• Prof. Piotr Romanowski, University of Warsaw, Poland
• Prof. Mila Schwartz, Oranim College of Education, Israel

Types of speakers’ contributions

As a speaker you can present up to two contributions of the following modalities:

1. Presentation: 15-min communication + 5 min discussion.
2. Workshop: 60-min, hands-on session on any of the conference topics, either research- or pedagogy-oriented.
3. Poster: Dedicated poster sessions will be scheduled during the conference, providing participants with the opportunity to discuss the work directly with the authors. Posters should be research-oriented. Instructions on poster specifications will be provided upon acceptance.

More information about the conference can be found in following CfP (download) on the conference website (visit).