Daily Current Affairs : 10-May-2024
In recent years, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been actively promoting the idea of teaching children in their mother tongue or regional language from an early age. This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2022, which stress the importance of language in a child’s development. The key aim is to help children learn better by using a language they are most comfortable with.
Key Provisions and Policies
Several important policies and provisions underline the importance of mother tongue education:
- NEP 2020: The National Education Policy recommends that children should be taught in their mother tongue or regional language at least until Grade 5, with the ideal goal being to extend this till Grade 8 or beyond. This approach helps children better understand their subjects and develop strong foundational skills in language and numeracy.
- NCF 2022: The National Curriculum Framework suggests that the mother tongue should be the primary medium of instruction for children until they are eight years old. This recommendation focuses on making education more accessible and effective by teaching children in a language they are familiar with.
Initiatives to Support Mother Tongue Education
To support this vision, the government has introduced various initiatives to improve language learning at the primary level:
- 52 Entry-Level Primers: Developed by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) and IIL (Indian Institute of Languages), these primers are designed to teach children in their mother tongues and regional languages. They aim to promote basic literacy and numeracy skills among young learners.
- NISHTHA FLN: This program aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in foundational literacy and numeracy. It encourages the use of mother tongue, regional language, and home language as the medium of instruction in schools.
- Legal Mandates:
- Article 350A of the Indian Constitution mandates that states should provide primary education in the mother tongue to linguistic minority groups.
- Section 29 of the Right to Education Act, 2009 advocates for the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction whenever possible.
Global Recognition
The global significance of mother tongue education is also recognized through initiatives like International Mother Language Day, which is observed on February 21st each year. This day, first initiated by Bangladesh and recognized by UNESCO in 1999, celebrates linguistic diversity and the importance of preserving languages. The Yuelu Proclamation by UNESCO also emphasizes the value of linguistic diversity and the need to promote mother tongue education.
Important Points:
NEP 2020 Recommendations:
- Advocates for teaching children in their mother tongue or regional language until at least Grade 5.
- Recommends extending mother tongue education up to Grade 8 and beyond for better learning outcomes.
NCF 2022 Guidelines:
- Suggests the mother tongue should be the primary medium of instruction for children until they are eight years old.
Government Initiatives:
- 52 Entry-Level Primers: Developed by NCERT and IIL to teach children in various local languages, focusing on literacy and numeracy skills.
- NISHTHA FLN: A program promoting teaching in mother tongues, regional languages, and home languages.
Legal Provisions:
- Article 350A: Requires states to provide primary education in the mother tongue for linguistic minority groups.
- Section 29 of the Right to Education Act, 2009: Advocates for the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction whenever possible.
International Recognition:
- International Mother Language Day: Observed on February 21st to promote linguistic diversity, first initiated by Bangladesh and recognized by UNESCO in 1999.
- Yuelu Proclamation (UNESCO): Stresses the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and promoting mother tongue education.
Why In News
CBSE is strongly advocating for the use of children’s mother tongue or regional language as the primary medium of instruction from an early age, recognizing that it plays a crucial role in enhancing understanding, communication, and overall learning outcomes. This approach aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and aims to make education more inclusive and accessible for all students.
MCQs about Importance of Teaching Children in Their Mother Tongue
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According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, until what grade is it recommended for children to be taught in their mother tongue or regional language?
A. Grade 3
B. Grade 5
C. Grade 8
D. Grade 10
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Which initiative developed 52 entry-level primers to teach children in their local languages and regional dialects?
A. NISHTHA FLN
B. CBSE
C. NCERT and IIL
D. UNESCO
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Which provision of the Indian Constitution mandates states to provide primary education in the mother tongue to linguistic minority groups?
A. Article 21A
B. Article 350A
C. Article 29
D. Article 44
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What is the main focus of the International Mother Language Day, observed on February 21st?
A. Promoting technological literacy
B. Preserving and promoting linguistic diversity
C. Celebrating global education systems
D. Encouraging English language learning
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