Significance of Regional Languages
Prospects under NEP-2020
By: Dr. Rajkumar Singh
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which is a policy framework for the education system in India, emphasizes the importance of regional languages and mother tongues in education sector. It aims to promote multilingualism and recognizes the significance of preserving and promoting the linguistic diversity of the country besides suggesting that the medium of instruction in schools up to at least Grade 5 should preferably be in the child’s mother tongue or regional language.
It is an important aspect of cultural preservation, linguistic diversity, and educational development which aims to include:
Preservation of Culture and Identity: Regional languages are integral to the cultural identity of communities. Promoting these languages helps preserve cultural heritage, traditions, literature, and oral histories that are passed down through generations.
Linguistic Diversity: Regional languages contribute to the rich linguistic diversity of a country. Preserving and promoting these languages ensures that unique linguistic traditions and expressions are not lost over time.
Enhanced Learning and Cognitive Development: Research suggests that children learn best when taught in their mother tongue or a language they are most comfortable with. It enhances their understanding, cognitive development, and overall educational experience.
Effective Communication: Proficiency in one’s mother tongue improves communication skills, allowing individuals to express themselves more effectively and participate actively in social, cultural, and economic activities.
Inclusive Education: Promoting regional languages in education creates a more inclusive and accessible learning environment, especially for students from marginalized or disadvantaged backgrounds who may face language barriers in standardized education systems.
Economic Opportunities: A strong foundation in a regional language can open up economic opportunities within local communities, as many jobs and businesses require effective communication in these languages.
Literacy and Education Rates: Promoting regional languages can contribute to higher literacy rates and better educational outcomes, especially in regions where communities have limited proficiency in the dominant national language.
Empowerment of Indigenous and Tribal Communities: For indigenous and tribal communities, the preservation and promotion of their native languages are crucial for empowerment, recognition of their rights, and protection of their knowledge systems.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding: A strong foundation in regional languages can foster better understanding and cooperation among different linguistic communities within a country.
Sustainable Development: Supporting regional languages aligns with sustainable development goals by empowering local communities, preserving traditional knowledge, and fostering a sense of pride and ownership in local resources
Promotion of regional languages under NEP-2020
The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India emphasizes the promotion and preservation of regional languages in various aspects of education. Some of the key provisions related to the promotion of regional languages under NEP 2020 include:
Medium of Instruction: NEP 2020 recommends that the medium of instruction in schools up to at least Grade 5, and preferably up to Grade 8, should be in the mother tongue or regional language. This is aimed at ensuring effective and inclusive learning for students by using languages they are most comfortable with.
Multilingualism and Language Learning: The policy advocates for a multilingual approach to education. It suggests that students should have the flexibility to learn and study multiple languages, including regional languages, alongside the medium of instruction.
Early Childhood Education: NEP 2020 emphasizes the importance of early childhood education in the mother tongue or regional language. This approach is believed to facilitate better understanding and cognitive development among young learners.
Teacher Training and Language Competency: The policy calls for teacher education programs to emphasize proficiency in regional languages. This helps ensure that teachers are well-equipped to teach effectively in the chosen medium of instruction.
Curriculum and Resources: NEP 2020 suggests that efforts should be made to develop high-quality teaching materials, textbooks, and digital resources in regional languages. This is intended to enhance the overall educational experience for students using their mother tongue.
Promotion of Indigenous Languages: The policy recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, as they are a part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Steps are recommended to be taken to document, revitalize, and develop these languages.
Cultural and Linguistic Exchange: NEP 2020 encourages schools and institutions to facilitate cultural and linguistic exchanges among students from different linguistic backgrounds. This promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of India’s linguistic diversity.
Higher Education and Research: In higher education, universities and institutions are encouraged to offer programs and courses in regional languages. This extends the use and promotion of regional languages beyond the school level.
Prospects of regional languages in NEP-2020
The New Education Policy (NE) 2020 envisions a significant role for regional languages in various aspects of education and society whose key benefits include:
Cognitive Development: Teaching in the mother tongue or regional language at the early stages of education enhances cognitive development and fosters a deeper understanding of concepts. This foundation can lead to improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Effective Communication: Proficiency in regional languages facilitates clear communication and expression, helping students articulate their thoughts and ideas confidently.
Inclusive Education: Regional language instruction promotes inclusivity by reducing language barriers for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, including those who might struggle with a dominant national language.
Local Relevance: Education in regional languages makes learning more relevant to students’ local contexts, enabling them to connect with their surroundings and communities.
Higher Retention Rates: Students often grasp concepts better when taught in their mother tongue, leading to improved learning outcomes and higher retention rates.
Boosting Literacy: Teaching in regional languages can accelerate literacy rates, especially in regions where students face language-related challenges in the education system.
Linguistic Diversity: Emphasizing regional languages aligns with the policy’s goal of celebrating and preserving India’s rich linguistic diversity.
Multilingualism: NEP 2020 encourages a multilingual approach to education, promoting the learning of multiple languages. Proficiency in regional languages complements the study of other languages.
Cultural Exchange: Students learning regional languages gain insights into different cultures, fostering appreciation, understanding, and respect for linguistic diversity.
Empowerment of Local Communities: Promoting regional languages empowers local communities economically and socially, as individuals can access opportunities more effectively in their native languages. By offering higher education and research opportunities in regional languages, NEP 2020 supports advanced studies while promoting linguistic diversity.
Global Perspective: Proficiency in multiple languages, including regional ones, equips students with a global perspective and enhances their ability to engage in international contexts. The successful implementation of these prospects depends on collaborative efforts from educational institutions, policymakers, communities, and stakeholders at large.
The writer is a Youth Motivator, presently Professor of Political Science and Dean, Student’s Welfare (DSW), at B.N. Mandal University, Madhepura (Bihar), India. He is also an author of 25 books and several papers.
