An inquiry into language teaching in primary schools is being launched by a Holyrood committee.
Members of the European and External Relations Committee are considering the issue after the Scottish Government proposed that youngsters start learning a foreign language in primary one instead of the current primary six.
Children could then go on to learn a second one in primary five under the plans, which are based on recommendations made by the Modern Languages Working Group in a report earlier this year.
The committee will examine whether the school curriculum has the capacity to do this, as well as the role of languages in supporting the economy.
Committee convener Christina McKelvie and deputy convener Hanzala Malik will begin the inquiry by visiting a primary school to see how languages are taught in the classroom.
Speaking before the visit to Dalmarnock Primary in Glasgow, Ms McKelvie said: "Understanding another language is such an important skill and when children are young, studies have shown they can learn this so much more easily. The Government's ambitions on this front have therefore been welcomed by the committee.
"Our job as a committee of the Scottish Parliament is to look at whether we think the proposals meet the aim of positively supporting primary school children in learning two more languages. And importantly, whether the resources and capacity are in place to help deliver this.
"Our visit to Dalmarnock Primary School will help us see things on the ground, hearing directly from the pupils, the parents and teachers about their views on this.
"Today is just the first of a programme of visits across Scotland. Our committee is looking forward to hearing more from people about how best to prepare our young people for a future within the wider world."
