Focusing on learning native languages will enhance the linguistic capabilities of students

Teachers, publication houses, and Ed Techs have hailed the inclusion of native Indian languages mandated by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in school education as it strengthens students’ cultural moorings and promotes national integration. However, they say that the government must address challenges such as the lack of resources and provide enough trained teachers for the effective implementation of the regulation.

The recently released NCF mandates instruction in three languages for students in classes IX–X, including two Indian languages, and two languages during classes XI–XII, with one being an Indian language. India is a multilingual and multicultural country, but many of our students do not have a nuanced understanding of other cultures and languages within the country. The NCF regulation will pave the way for a deeper understanding of various linguistic identities and myriad subcultures in India.

“We have 22 Indian languages listed in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution; according to the People’s Linguistic Survey of India (PLSI), there are more than 700 languages in India. By teaching a language, we also teach students about a people’s literature, culture, and value system. It will mean pressure on the students, but if the students learn the languages of different states in India, it will address the insecurities and insular attitudes regarding linguistic identities, and it will help the next generation to work together”.

Effective implementation

Learning native languages encourages feelings of belonging and a sense of unity. It also provides students with new career avenues in the new languages they learn as translators, teachers, and research scholars. The move will also help students develop new skills and implement them. However, there are a few aspects that need to be addressed for effective implementation of the NCF regulation. Currently, students are learning six subjects, which results in a jam-packed schedule. Accommodating a seventh subject will put pressure on students, leaving no time for extracurricular activities. The authorities will have to ensure that there are teachers available in all the native Indian languages that the students might take up under the new regulation. Adequate resources, including textbooks, are required for teaching new languages to students.”

Besides textbooks and resources, it is also important that the social mindset towards learning native languages change, for only then will the objectives of making Indian languages mandatory for Indian school students be fulfilled. “When it comes to language subjects, often students do not give importance to them and study them only a few days before the exam”.

Learning in a native language promotes uninterrupted intellectual development as the learners decipher and understand concepts faster and better. “NCF places a strong emphasis on embracing multilingualism and fostering the learning of native Indian languages. It underscores the significance of safeguarding India’s diverse linguistic heritage: an approach that will enhance cultural consciousness, anchoring students to their linguistic and cultural roots,” says Sumanta Datta, managing director.

Richer cultural experience

Besides reinforcing the country’s rich linguistic heritage, the NCF recommendation on native languages holds immense benefits for students in various learning domains. “ Numerous studies have shown that multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities. Learning multiple languages can improve problem-solving skills, creativity, and multitasking abilities. It also delays the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Knowledge of regional languages can promote social cohesion. As students interact with peers from different linguistic backgrounds, the ability to communicate in multiple languages fosters understanding and respect. This, in turn, builds a society where diversity is celebrated. Exposure to these languages will allow students to appreciate literature, art, and performances in their original form, leading to a richer cultural experience. There is an increasing demand for professionals who can communicate in multiple languages.

“Knowledge of a native language, in addition to English and another foreign language, provides a competitive edge in several fields, including diplomacy, business, and academia,”, elaborating that while the benefits are manifold, the implementation must be accompanied by appropriate resources: qualified teachers, comprehensive study materials, and interactive learning platforms.

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