Education in Mother Tongue

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity/Education

Context

• The Prime Minister highlighted that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 supports the vision of teaching young children in their mother tongue. 

About

• The NEP 2020, with its emphasis on mother tongue education, is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in the Indian education system. 
• It aims to create an environment where children can learn and grow in their native language, thereby fostering a deep understanding of their cultural roots. 

Mother Tongue

• A mother tongue, also known as a native language, is the first language a person learns from birth. 
• It is the language spoken in the family or community during a child’s early development, and it often reflects the culture, traditions, and social environment of that community.

Significance of Education in Mother Tongue 

• Improved Comprehension and Learning: When children are taught in their mother tongue, they can understand and retain information more effectively.
• Cognitive Development: Learning in a familiar language supports cognitive skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. 
• Stronger Communication Skills: Mother tongue education helps children develop strong language skills, which are crucial for both oral and written communication. 
• Cultural Identity and Preservation: It strengthens children’s connection to their community and identity, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
• Emotional Well-being: It allows children to express themselves more freely and participate in social and academic activities.
• Social Inclusivity: It promotes equality by ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, can access education effectively. 

Constitutional Provisions related to Promotion of Mother Tongue in India

• Article 29 (1) – Protection of Interests of Minorities: It ensures that any section of citizens, including linguistic minorities, have the right to conserve their language, script, and culture.
• Section 29(f) of Chapter V under Right to Education Act, 2009 clearly states that, medium of instructions shall, as far as practicable, be in child’s mother tongue.
• Article 30 (1) – Right of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions: It allows minorities, whether based on religion or language, the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. 
• Article 350A – Facilities for Instruction in Mother Tongue at the Primary Stage: This article directs that the state shall provide facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary level of education.
  • It emphasizes that, as far as possible, children should be taught in their mother tongue or regional language in the early stages of education.
• Article 350B – Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities: To safeguard and promote the interests of linguistic minorities, including the protection and development of their language and culture.

Government Initiatives to Promote Education in Mother Tongue: 

• As per Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2020-21, there are 28 languages in which teaching learning is going on in grades (1-5). 
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: It provides, wherever possible, for medium of instruction to be in the home language/ mother tongue/ local language upto at least class 5 and preferably upto class 8.
  • It also provides for making available high quality text books in home language/ mother tongue and encouraging teachers to use bilingual approach while teaching. 
• There are separate organisations for development and promotion of Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi and Sanskrit languages.
• All India Council for Technical education (AICTE) has issued guidelines permitting technical education institutions to offer their courses in local languages also. So far 19 institutions from 10 states have started offering such courses. 
• AICTE has developed a tool called AICTE Automation Artificial Intelligence Tool to translate English language online courses into 11 Indian languages. 
• DIKSHA Portal: Course material including text books and teaching resources for Grades 1-12 are available on DIKSHA portal of the Government in 33 Indian languages and Indian Sign language. 
• JEE and NEET exams are conducted in 13 Indian languages.

Conclusion

• The emphasis on mother tongue education is not a new concept. Historically, several countries have adopted this approach to enhance the learning experience of young children.
  • For instance, in the early 20th century, the Soviet Union implemented a policy of nativization that promoted education in the mother tongue of various ethnic groups. 
  • Similarly, in the 1950s, China introduced a policy to promote mother tongue education among its ethnic minorities.
• Embracing multilingualism is not merely an educational endeavour; it is a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. 
• India’s education system can foster a generation of individuals who are not only academically proficient but also culturally enriched and globally competent.

Source: PIB