International Mother Language Day
National Education Policy 2020 of India has recognized the importance of mother tongue in education and strongly recommends up to 5th grade or preferably 8th grade and optional up to high school.
Contrary to common belief, studies have shown that countries where the medium of instruction is in foreign languages, such as English and French, and where parents insist on their children studying in foreign language schools, experience poor academic performance. It is worth noting that many of these countries are underdeveloped, including India with a population of 1.2 billion, definitely English medium schools did not help.
Based on many research studies, it is pivotal to provide foundational education in the mother tongue of young learners. By offering instruction in the mother tongue across all subjects, students can better grasp fundamental concepts in important areas such as science, mathematics, and social studies. UNESCO conducted a comprehensive study in 2008 (UNESCO, 2008a and 2008b) that examined the performance of students when the medium of instruction was their mother tongue versus a foreign language. The study concluded that students perform significantly better when taught in their mother tongue.
Additionally, it has been observed that countries that prioritize education in the mother tongue have been achieving high scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Notably, countries like Singapore, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, which have comparatively smaller populations than even a single state in India, have excelled in this regard.
It has been observed that students who were not performing well in English medium schools showed significant improvement when transferred to their mother tongue-based schools. They excelled in all academic subjects. This highlights the importance of education in one’s mother tongue.
A notable example of the success of mother tongue-based education is Dr. Katalin Kariko, a recent Nobel prize winner in medicine for her groundbreaking work in developing the mRNA vaccine. She is Hungarian and received her education in the Hungarian language including her PhD. This country has a population of around 10 million, has produced several other accomplished scientists, such as Ferenc Krausz, another Nobel laureate in physics.
Again in 2023, his research team successfully generated attosecond light pulses that can capture electron motion in an atom, giving birth to a new science in physics called attophysics (atom physics). These Hungarian scientists are just a few examples of individuals who received their basic education in their mother tongue and went on to make significant contributions to scientific research. This demonstrates that the language of instruction does not determine one’s ability to excel in science, or in fact any disciplines of knowledge.
Another example often cited for its exemplary school education system is Finland with a population of only 5.5 million. Finland’s medium of instruction is in the mother tongue language Finnish. Despite this, Finland is one of the top rated among the most advanced countries.
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in scientific research papers originating from Chinese-speaking countries. This trend highlights an important aspect of scientific inquiry – it is not confined to a specific language, such as English. Science can be learned and practiced in any language, as it is an innovative thought process that transcends linguistic barriers. Apart from science, any academic subjects could be learned efficiently and proficiently in mother tongue, such as Urdu, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi etc.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes the importance of mother tongues and has designated 21st February as International Mother Language Day. This day serves as a reminder for us to not only celebrate our mother tongues but also advocate for education in these languages.
By educating our children in their mother tongues, we can ensure that they have a strong foundation in their cultural heritage and a deeper understanding of complex concepts. Language plays a vital role in shaping one’s identity, and by embracing and promoting mother tongue education, we can foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among our future generations. Language of instruction in mother tongue is an essential component of quality education. Effective learner-centered learning takes place in the language child speaks. Mother tongue augments the child’s cognitive development. It also amplifies family and community involvement in child’s learning process.
Moreover, studying academic subjects in one’s mother tongue can greatly enhance comprehension, creativity, critical thinking, and knowledge retention. It allows students to engage more deeply with the subject matter, ask questions, participate in discussions, and express their thoughts and ideas with greater clarity. By providing education in mother tongues, we can create inclusive and equitable learning environments that cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of students.
Therefore, it is important for educational institutions, policymakers, and society as a whole to recognize the value of mother tongue education. This includes developing curriculum materials, training teachers proficient in various languages, and providing adequate resources to support this approach. By doing so, we can empower individuals, preserve linguistic diversity, and promote a more inclusive and effective education system.
In conclusion, just as science is not limited to a specific language, all academic subjects can be efficiently learned in one’s mother tongue. On International Mother Language Day, let us not only celebrate our mother tongues but also work towards educating our children in their native languages. This will not only enhance their academic journey but also contribute to their overall personal and cultural development. By prioritizing the use of the mother tongue, we can enhance students’ understanding and academic performance, ultimately contributing to their overall success.
(The Author is BSc, BEd, MD, FCAP, FASCP. Associate Clinical Professor Michigan State University, USA. Vice Chief of Staff, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, USA. Chairman, Department of Pathology, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, USA. Chairman, Scientific Review Committee Flint Regional Science Fair, Flint, Michigan, USA)
