Relevant publications around the 25th International Mother Language Day

The international mother language day usually triggers the publishing of multiple articles on language. This year there were also several relevant publications related to multilingual education. We picked 5 for you that might be of particular interest.

The following articles highlight recent developments, offering valuable insights into multilingual education's role in enhancing student learning, cultural identity, and social inclusion. By examining these articles, we can understand the impact of these changes and how they align with the goals of UNESCO’s multilingual education guidelines. The combination of policy developments, local movements, and scholarly perspectives makes this an important time for MLE advocates to continue pushing for greater linguistic inclusivity in education systems.

1. UNESCO's Global Guidance on Multilingual Education: A Valuable Resource

A new UNESCO publication on multilingual education came out on International Mother Language day "Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Language Policies for Inclusive Education". It offers valuable insights and recommendations for implementing effective multilingual education systems. The document highlights the importance of mother tongue instruction, particularly in the early years, and provides evidence-based guidelines for policymakers to adopt multilingual education strategies that support linguistic diversity and promote inclusivity.

The publication highlights the role of multilingual education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4, and stresses the importance of indigenous languages for cultural preservation and empowering marginalized communities. The document also introduces the integration of technology in multilingual education, focusing on digital tools for curriculum development and teacher training. It calls for explicit policy reforms, urging governments to adopt national strategies to promote multilingual education. Additionally, there is a stronger emphasis on supporting teachers with the skills and resources needed to manage multilingual classrooms, reflecting the evolving educational landscape. These updates bring a more comprehensive and urgent approach to multilingual education, connecting it with global challenges and goals. (UNESCO)

2. Language Matters, National Consortium for Multilingual Education - India (NCMLEI) Newsletter

We are pleased to share the first issue of Language Matters, the newsletter of the National Consortium for Multilingual Education - India (NCMLEI) that came out on International Mother Language day. This edition brought together research, insights, and real-world experiences that highlighted the vital role of mother tongues in education. In this issue, readers can find MLE Demystified, a thought-provoking article by Prof. Ajit Mohanty on the cognitive and academic benefits of mother tongue-based multilingual education. Practitioners’ Perspectives features stories from classrooms in Chhattisgarh, illustrating how embracing students’ home languages enhanced participation and learning outcomes. Research in Focus spotlights key studies on translanguaging and inclusive pedagogies that support multilingual learners, while What’s Happening in the MLE Space? provides national and international updates, along with highlights from NCMLEI’s recent webinars and collaborations.

We believe this resource will be valuable for anyone interested in multilingual education. If you would like to subscribe, please contact us at at exec-asst_aed-east@sil.org. Together, let’s continue to build an education system that values and nurtures linguistic diversity.

3. NEP 2020: Landmark Step Toward Promoting Education in Mother Tongue

The article discusses the progress of NEP 2020 and its role in promoting mother tongue education. The policy's emphasis on multilingualism, especially in the early years, aligns with the principle that children learn best in their native languages. Since the policy's implementation, there has been noticeable progress, including a significant reduction in dropout rates and improved retention among students, which is partly attributed to the focus on mother tongue-based education. The policy encourages states to offer education in the child's mother tongue up to at least Grade 5, which has been shown to help students understand concepts better, leading to stronger academic outcomes.

For multilingual education, this is a critical step forward as the policy actively challenges the dominance of English and other regional languages in education, providing a more inclusive, accessible environment for students across the nation. The NEP's implementation ensures a sustainable, inclusive educational model by reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity in schools, helping reduce educational inequality among language communities.

4. Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: Enhancing Digital Accessibility in Education

The author highlights the introduction of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which was announced in the Union Budget 2025. The scheme aims to provide digital textbooks in various Indian languages, thus making education more accessible and inclusive for students across linguistic backgrounds. The availability of digital resources in regional languages will help bridge the educational gap, especially in remote and underserved areas.

For multilingual education, this initiative is crucial as it enhances the accessibility of educational materials in students’ mother tongues, reinforcing the argument that students learn better when taught in their native language. This also speaks to the broader goal of multilingual education: to ensure linguistic diversity is reflected in educational resources, improving overall learning outcomes. (Millennium Post)

5. Dr. Dhir Jhingran: A Multilingual Approach to Enhance Student Learning

In the article "A Multilingual Approach to Enhance Student Learning" Dhir Jignran underscores in the BusinessWorld the value of multilingual education in improving academic performance, cognitive development, and cultural integration. He argues that multilingual education strategies not only help preserve linguistic diversity but also prepare students for a globalized world. By encouraging students to learn in multiple languages, schools can enhance critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills.

The article highlights how multilingualism enriches the educational experience by making learning more meaningful and by enabling students to engage more deeply with various subjects and ideas. For educators and policymakers, this article provides a strong case for integrating multiple languages into the curriculum as a way to support holistic learning.

The recent developments in multilingual education, as outlined in the above articles, emphasize the transformative potential of mother tongue-based education. As we mark 25 years of International Mother Language Day, it is clear that multilingual education not only enhances students' academic outcomes but also preserves cultural heritage, fosters inclusion, and promotes linguistic diversity. These ongoing initiatives—from NEP 2020 to the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme—are a testament to the growing recognition of the value of multilingualism in shaping a more inclusive and effective educational landscape. The resources provided by organizations like UNESCO, along with the perspectives shared in various articles, highlight the significant strides being made toward a multilingual educational future.

Regards,

Karsten, in collaboration with Upasana Lepcha

Resources

Photo source: International Mother Language Day | United Nations

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