By Reshma Gowramma
Educator at KALS.
As we observe International Mother Language Day on February 21, the conversation around language, identity and education gains renewed relevance. Instituted by UNESCO the day serves as a reminder that linguistic diversity is not merely a cultural asset but an educational necessity.
In an age where English is often projected as a passport to success, the value of a child’s mother tongue is quietly edged out of the conversation. Yet, long before a child steps into a classroom, learning begins at home – in the language of lullabies, stories, and everyday exchanges that shape early thought and emotion.
The mother tongue is a child’s first bridge to the world. It is through this familiar language that children begin to name objects, express feelings, ask questions, and interpret their surroundings. Education experts have repeatedly underscored that children grasp concepts faster and more effectively when taught in their first language, particularly in the foundational years of schooling.
When young learners are compelled to absorb new ideas in an unfamiliar language, education can turn mechanical. They may memorise answers without fully understanding them. The result is often hesitation in participation and a fear of making mistakes. In contrast, instruction rooted in the mother tongue builds clarity. Comprehension deepens. Confidence grows. A child who understands is a child who questions – and questioning is the beginning of real learning.
Beyond the classroom, the mother tongue plays a crucial role in shaping identity. It carries culture, values, humour, and shared experiences. Through it, traditions are articulated and community bonds are strengthened. When children drift away from their first language, they risk losing an intimate connection to their cultural inheritance.
Importantly, promoting the mother tongue does not imply sidelining English or any other global language. Research consistently indicates that a strong foundation in the first language makes it easier to acquire additional languages. Linguistic roots do not restrict growth; they nourish it.
As societies pursue global competitiveness, the debate must move from an “either-or” approach to a “both-and” mindset. Strengthening mother tongue education in the early years while systematically building proficiency in global languages offers children a balanced advantage.
Preserving a child’s first language is not an exercise in nostalgia. It is an investment in confident, capable individuals who can engage with the world without losing sight of who they are.
