Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning

By -


Multilingual and multicultural societies thrive through the preservation of their languages, which serve as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, linguistic diversity faces increasing threats as more languages vanish. Currently, 40% of the global population lacks access to education in their native language, a figure that exceeds 90% in certain regions. Research underscores the benefits of using learners' native languages in education, fostering better learning outcomes, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. This approach also supports intergenerational learning and cultural preservation.


International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Multilingual education policies, highlighted in the 2024 theme “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning”, are crucial for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages. By starting education in the learner's mother tongue and gradually introducing other languages, barriers between home and school are bridged, facilitating effective learning.

Multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.

Languages, with their complex implications for identity, communication, social integration, education and development, are of strategic importance for people and planet. Yet, due to globalization processes, they are increasingly under threat, or disappearing altogether. When languages fade, so does the world's rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Opportunities, traditions, memory, unique modes of thinking and expression — valuable resources for ensuring a better future — are also lost.

Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 45% of the estimated 7000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.

Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages, which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

International Mother Language Day is observed every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism


International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002.

Today there is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all, in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, and in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.

Join HEEALS International Volunteer Cultural Program 

Whatss app : +917982316660

Email: communications@heeals.org

Website : www.heeals.org 

Source : https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day





.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health

By -
Image
  Menstrual hygiene too and how it effects mental health:  Written by volunteer-coordinator Janyl Kenenbaeva  First of all, let me introduce you what is “Menstrual Hygiene Taboo” Menstrual hygiene taboos are social and cultural restrictions, beliefs, and practices that surround menstruation and affect the way menstruating individuals are treated and how they manage their menstrual hygiene. These taboos vary widely across different cultures and societies, and they can have significant negative consequences for the physical and emotional well-being of those who menstruate. Some common menstrual hygiene taboos and the reasons behind them include: Menstruation as Impurity: In many cultures, menstruation is often viewed as impure or dirty. Menstruating individuals may be considered unclean and are sometimes excluded from participating in religious activities, entering certain places, or even cooking during their periods. Silence and Secrecy: In some societies, menstruation is surrounded by
Read more

Funding Forms A Crucial Component In NGO Sustainability

By -
Image
Funding forms a crucial component in not only financing any institution’s operating expenses but  also in fulfilling its desired goals. Similarly, bodies like grassroots non-governmental  organisations (NGOs), local civil society organisations and other non-profit institutions that do  not yield profits and revenues require funding to finance their day-to-day expenses and also to  sustain their zeal and commitment to bring a social transformation. Despite that, it is  disheartening to report that we at HEEALS, Gurugram have not received adequate funds in  recent years to keep us moving forward. Lack of funds poses a threat not only to our collective  performance but also to the quality of our service delivery.  Since our inception, we have always kept the community at the intersection of our goals and  policies. Over the past many years, we have diligently and wholeheartedly reached out to  thousands of people through a diverse range of campaigns such as the distribution of sanitary  p
Read more

Why HEEALS Skill Development Center Is Important ?

By -
Image
Our Skill Development Center is for people in need: young girls. children and people from marginalized communities from our slums, in India.  We are aware of the fact that socio-economical conditions of these people make their life miserable and entangled in poverty, especially because of the fact that they, lacking in basic skills, do not have access to skill-based jobs.  We are trying to give our best contribute to give resources for these people and clarity in their thoughts, in order to help them build their future.   "Through Our Skill Development Center We Are Making The Present Of These Communities Better Than Their Past" -Gaurav Kashyap  Website: www.heeals.org Instagram: @heealsindia Email : communications@heeals.org Whatss app: +91-7982316 Be A Part Of Our International Internship /Volunteering/Volunteer travel program At HEEALS Please Contact Us At : communications@heeals.org Please Come Join Us! DONTAE AND SAVE TAX :  Email : communications@heeals.org Facebook Pag
Read more