Language is the lens through which we perceive and interpret the world. It is not merely a vehicle of communication but a profound connection to one’s identity, culture, and cognitive development. The bond between language and thought is inextricable, with research consistently demonstrating that individuals think, reason, and express themselves most clearly in their first language. In a country as linguistically rich and diverse as India, where more than 1,600 languages are spoken, the question of which language should be used as the medium of instruction has always been a deeply contentious issue. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 addresses this question with remarkable foresight, emphasizing the mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction, particularly in the formative years of schooling.
The inclusion of the mother tongue in education is not just an effort to preserve linguistic diversity but is also firmly rooted in educational theory and scientific evidence. Studies in pedagogy and cognitive development consistently show that children grasp concepts more effectively when taught in a language they understand well. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recognizes this and places the mother tongue at the core of its strategy for reforming India's educational landscape. In doing so, it seeks to strengthen both the cognitive development of students and the cultural fabric of the country, making the mother tongue not merely a tool of communication but a foundation for academic success.
Children begin their cognitive journey by interacting with
the world through the language they first learn at home. It is in their mother
tongue that they form their earliest thoughts, learn to express emotions, and
build relationships with their surroundings. The NEP 2020 builds upon this
fundamental truth, advocating for the use of the mother tongue or local
language as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5, and preferably
until Grade 8. The rationale behind this policy is not only pragmatic but also
deeply pedagogical. Research has shown that children are more likely to engage
with and comprehend lessons when taught in a language they fully understand.
The process of learning becomes seamless, and the transition from concrete to
abstract thinking is facilitated when the child is not simultaneously grappling
with the complexities of a foreign language.
When children are taught in their mother tongue, their conceptual clarity improves significantly. A child's first language is not just a tool for communication but a repository of cultural knowledge, social norms, and worldviews. Teaching children in this familiar context allows them to connect new information to their lived experiences, making learning more meaningful and effective. This is especially important in subjects such as mathematics, science, and social studies, where abstract concepts are often difficult for young minds to grasp. The use of a foreign language as the primary medium of instruction in these subjects can create barriers to understanding, leading to confusion and a superficial grasp of key concepts. NEP 2020 seeks to overcome these barriers by ensuring that children develop a strong foundation in their mother tongue before transitioning to learning other languages and subjects.
This approach aligns with neuroscientific research, which underscores the importance of early education in a child's native language for cognitive development. Studies conducted by organizations such as UNESCO and other international bodies reveal that children who are taught in their mother tongue perform better academically, display enhanced problem-solving skills, and develop greater creativity. By endorsing the mother tongue as the medium of instruction, NEP 2020 is not only in sync with global best practices but also respects India's vast linguistic diversity as a powerful resource for education.
Beyond cognitive benefits, the use of the mother tongue in education is deeply tied to cultural identity. Language is a key component of one's cultural heritage, and it is through language that traditions, values, and histories are passed down from one generation to the next. By prioritizing the mother tongue in education, NEP 2020 strengthens the bond between students and their cultural roots. It ensures that children grow up with a deep sense of pride in their heritage, fostering a connection to their community and an appreciation for their cultural identity.
In a world that is rapidly globalizing, there is a growing concern that local languages and cultures are being marginalized in favor of dominant global languages such as English. NEP 2020's emphasis on the mother tongue as the primary medium of instruction in schools is an important step toward linguistic preservation. India is home to an extraordinary range of languages, each with its own distinct history, literature, and cultural significance. The policy recognizes the importance of preserving this linguistic diversity and seeks to embed it within the formal education system. By doing so, NEP 2020 ensures that languages are not merely confined to informal or cultural spaces but are actively integrated into the intellectual and academic development of the next generation.
This emphasis on the mother tongue is particularly relevant
in the context of rural and tribal communities, where children are often raised
in environments where the regional or indigenous language is the only language
spoken at home. For these children, the sudden transition to a school
environment where instruction is delivered in a language like Hindi or English
can be alienating and disorienting. It often results in a lack of engagement
with the curriculum and, in many cases, leads to higher dropout rates. NEP 2020
seeks to address this problem by making education more inclusive and
accessible, ensuring that children from all linguistic backgrounds can engage
meaningfully with their studies.
This approach is particularly important for children from marginalized communities. For many children in rural areas, the mother tongue is not just their primary language but the language in which they experience the world. Imposing a foreign language as the medium of instruction in such contexts not only hinders their academic progress but also creates a sense of alienation from the educational system. NEP 2020, by focusing on the mother tongue, fosters a sense of belonging among students, making them feel more connected to the content they are learning and to the educational system as a whole. In addition to promoting cognitive development and cultural identity, the use of the mother tongue in education also has significant social implications. When children are educated in their native language, they are more likely to engage with their studies and pursue their education with greater enthusiasm. This leads to improved academic retention rates, reducing the number of children who drop out of school due to language barriers. Moreover, by promoting education in the mother tongue, NEP 2020 ensures that education becomes more accessible to all children, particularly those in rural or underserved communities.
The path to multilingualism outlined in NEP 2020 is a carefully calibrated approach that ensures students are not overwhelmed by the simultaneous acquisition of multiple languages. By allowing children to first master their mother tongue, the policy provides a solid linguistic foundation upon which other languages can be learned more easily. This gradual and natural transition from the mother tongue to other languages is in line with research in linguistics, which suggests that children who are fluent in their first language tend to learn additional languages more effectively.
The National Education Policy 2020 represents a significant shift in India’s approach to education. By placing the mother tongue at the heart of its vision, the policy not only recognizes the intrinsic value of linguistic diversity but also understands the profound role language plays in shaping cognitive, cultural, and social development. NEP 2020’s focus on the mother tongue is not just an act of linguistic preservation; it is a forward-looking strategy aimed at creating an educational system that is more inclusive, equitable, and effective.
In essence, the National Education Policy 2020 offers a transformative vision for India’s educational future, with the mother tongue as its cornerstone. By emphasizing the importance of the mother tongue in early education, NEP 2020 acknowledges the deep connection between language, thought, and identity, offering a path toward a more just and enlightened educational system that respects and nurtures the linguistic diversity of India while preparing students for the challenges of the modern world
(The Writer is Editor in Chief of the Assamese E-Magazine
SAMPROTIK. Views are personal. Email: himangshur1989@gmail.com)
