Higher Education in Mother Tongue or Multilingual Medium

Higher education in a mother tongue or through a multilingual medium is a modern approach to provide education to students. The ability to speak, read and write more than one language is called multilingualism, and the term was first used in 1830. It is coined with two words ‘multi’ and ‘lingual’ which means ‘many’ and ‘pertain’.

Multilingualism comes from the Roman terms ‘multi’, which means many, and ‘lingua’, which means language. Hence, the ability of a speaker to communicate in multiple languages with equal and native-like proficiency is referred to as multilingualism. Another definition of multilingualism is the coexistence of multiple languages within a society.

Multilingualism is the ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write in multiple languages. It can either be personal or societal, depending upon whether a person or community speaks multiple languages. Language is an extremely effective instrument for communication, learning, and representation of culture. It is also an essential component of human growth and identity. However, in a varied and multilingual country like India, languages may cause major educational challenges.

CBSE Proposes Multilingual Education and Mother Tongue as Medium of Education

Under the National Education Policy 2020, CBSE has suggested using a multilingual education system and using a second language as the teaching medium in order to highlight the immense cognitive benefits of multilingualism for young students.

The implementation of the mother tongue and multilingual education as a medium of education might face several difficulties, including the lack of qualified teachers who are capable of instructing in multiple languages, the production of high-quality multilingual school textbooks, and the limited amount of time available, particularly in two-shift government schools, as bilingual education requires additional time for education.

To withstand the challenges, the Ministry of Education has proposed to NCERT that new textbooks should be written in the 22 Indian languages that are currently approved. In order to make textbooks in the 22 scheduled languages available to all students starting with the upcoming sessions, this task is given the utmost priority by NCERT.

CBSE further stated that, as higher education has started the medium of education in the mother tongue and in multi-languages, then school education must be its foundation. CBSE further informed that, as higher education has started the medium of education in the mother tongue and in multi-languages, then school education must be its foundation.

Multilingual and mother tongue should be used as the medium of study from primary school level to higher studies, it should be a continuous process. Hence, CBSE plays a crucial role in introducing the mother tongue and multiple languages as the medium of education.

Pros and Cons of Higher Education in Mother Tongue or Multilingual Medium

In higher education, the medium of instruction chosen by students has a significant impact on their learning experience, academic results, and career opportunities. The debate on whether higher education in mother tongue and multilingual medium is beneficial or not has been raised up these days as CBSE proposes multilingual education and mother tongue as medium of education. Here we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of higher education in mother tongue or multilingual mediums, taking into account a variety of views.

Pros of Higher Education in Mother Tongue or Multilingual Medium

Better Understanding of Topics: Higher education in one’s native language can provide better understanding of the subjects. Students who are taught in their mother tongue are better able to absorb difficult concepts as well as comprehend their ideas. Students perform academically better when they are taught in their native language.

Preservation of Heritage and Culture: Education in one’s mother tongue has an important role in preserving and encouraging distinctive cultural identities. Language is more than just a medium of communication; it also represents the culture, history, ethics, and tradition of the society. Educational institutions play a major role in developing a sense of culture and identity in students by teaching them in their mother tongues.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Another significant benefit of higher education is one’s mother tongue involves greater inclusivity and participation. Many students, primarily those from marginalised communities or rural areas, face difficulties with learning when education is delivered in a foreign language. Educational institutions can bridge this gap and ensure fair access to quality education by adopting the mother language as a medium of instruction.

Cognitive Development and Critical Thinking: Learning in one’s mother tongue promotes cognitive growth and developing analytical abilities, when students are fluent in the language of instruction, they may engage thoroughly with subject matters, critically analyse facts, and establish connections between disciplines.

Cons of Higher Education in Mother Tongue or Multilingual Medium

Limited Global Opportunities: One of the major concerns of higher education in a mother tongue is that it could restrict global employment options. In a world that is becoming more connected, proficiency with foreign languages such as English is extremely essential for discovering global employment markets, collaborating with international job markets, and seeking possibilities in multinational corporations. Students who received their education primarily in their mother tongue may find difficulties completing in the professional world.

Limited Resources: Teaching materials might not be updated or accurate in various native languages and it can be one of the major drawbacks in higher education offering in mother tongue or multilingual medium. This is especially applicable in fields like mathematics, science, technology, and engineering, where access to the latest research papers, textbooks, and tutorials in native language can be limited.

Standardisation and Recognition: Degrees earned at education institutions where the medium of study is native language may not be globally recognised or acknowledged. This can be challenging for students who want to go for higher studies abroad or obtain professional certifications.

Difficulties in Implementing Technical Innovation: The implementation of innovation and technological advances in higher education might be difficult in situations where instruction is primarily offered in local languages. English and other major foreign languages are often utilised as the lingua franca for technical advances, scientific study, and digital innovation.

Challenges in Sharing Knowledge: Learning only native language can create a language barrier that can result in slow down effective communication, teamwork, and sharing knowledge with students from other parts of the world. Educational institutions must encourage multilingualism and provide inclusive educational settings that encourage diversity in languages.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of mainstream mother tongue education, UNESCO has selected ‘multilingual education - a necessity to transform education’ as the topic for 2023 International Mother Language Day. Higher education in a mother tongue or a multilingual medium has serious implications for educational equity and maintaining cultural diversity. It not only encourages better understanding and critical thinking, but it also strengthens different communities by acknowledging their language identities. Educational Institutes should create inclusive settings for students to do well academically and culturally by connecting through native language.