Dr Vishal Sharma
“In making English the sole language of intellectual discourse in science and technology in India, we have lost on many fronts”. Prof. K Vijay Raghavan, Former Principal Scientific Adviser to GOI
India’s rich linguistic diversity presents a unique opportunity to challenge the dominance of foreign language in the academia. With over 19,500 mother languages spoken in India, couldn’t even one of these languages have the potential to break the monopoly of English in the academic and research world. Language plays a major role in shaping human development and national identity. Nations aspiring to lead in the future must harness innovation in Science and Technology (S&T), which often originates from creative thinking and dreaming in one’s native language.To become intellectual leader and dominate the academic world, mastery of S&T in one’s mother tongue is crucial. This perspective is reflected in one of the key themes of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, which emphasizes the importance of learning S&T in the mother tongue.As nations strive to improve their educational systems and fully harness the full potential of their young minds, an important question arises: Is it truly possible to learn S&T in one’s mother tongue,or is this idea merely hypothetical? Why should students learn in the mother tongue?Will they benefit from it? All these questions often surface when delving into this topic, and likely have tickled your mind as well.
The Plight of a Student
I still remember the day when I was promoted from the 8th to the 9th standard. Many of my neighbors and relatives came to congratulate me and my family. For me, it was a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was happy to have passed the 8th standard with flying colors; on the other, I was anxious about the fact that my science subjects would now be taught in English. Whether you can relate to my situation or not, for me it felt like a double burden, as I now had to grasp both science and English. I was overwhelmed at the thought of memorizing science in English.You might be surprised, but I even approached some of my teachers for advice on how to memorize science in English. Their responses varied: some suggested writing answers repeatedly, others recommended different memorization techniques, and so on. It took me 20 days to memorize my first science question, which was about “The Shooting Star.”The struggle made me acutely aware of the challenges of learning complex subjects in a language that was not my own.
This personal experience underscores the importance of language in learning. The human brain is an incredibly adaptable organ, continuously rewiring itself based on experiences and learning. One of the most fundamental aspects of this rewiring is language acquisition. From early childhood, our brains are fine-tuned to understand and process our native language, making it an integral part of our cognitive framework. This neural adaptation has significant implications for learning, particularly in complex fields such as science and technology (S&T).Here’s how learning S&T in one’s native language can enhance educational outcomes.
Scientific Perspective
Research in cognitive science indicates that learning in one’s native language offers significant advantages, fostering stronger cognitive skills, particularly in critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity. According to Dr. Ellen Bialystok, a prominent cognitive scientist at York University, children who learn complex subjects such as math and science in their mother tongue show better conceptual understanding compared to thoselearning in a second language. This is because of the reduced cognitive load when students are not simultaneously mastering a new language alongside new concepts.
Psychological studies, including research by Dr. Jim Cummins from the University of Toronto, support this perspective through the “threshold hypothesis.” This hypothesis asserts that proficiency in the mother tongue lays a crucial foundation for second-language acquisition. When students build a strong foundation in their native language, they can more easily transfer these skills to learning in other languages.This means that a solid grasp of S&T in the native language can eventually facilitate learning these subjects in a second language as well.
Moreover, neuroscientific research offers further evidence.Dr. Patricia Kuhl, Co-Director of the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at the University of Washington, has made significant contributions to our understanding of language development and its impact on the brain.She has extensively studied how infants and young children process language, demonstrating that the brain forms strong neural pathways for the sounds, grammar, and vocabulary of the native language. These pathways become the foundation for all future learning and cognitive development.When students learn S&T in their native language, they leverage these well-established neural pathways, reducing cognitive load. This can lead to deeper understanding and retention of complex scientific concepts.
UNESCO also emphasizes that using the mother tongue in the classroom enables students to express themselves more effectively.This is because they can easily understand the discussions and communicate their thoughts and ideas in their own language.
Examples from Across the World
Several countries have successfully implemented mother-tongue instruction in S&T education, showcasing the benefits of this approach. For example, Germans teach Science and Technology (S&T) in their native language, German. In Germany, the education system strongly emphasizes using German as the medium of instruction across various subjects, including S&T. This practice is based on the belief that students can learn and understand complex concepts more effectively in their mother tongue. Likewise, Finland, known for its high educational standards, teaches all subjects, including science and technology, in Finnish. This practice is believed to contribute to Finnish students’ outstanding contribution at the international level. Similarly, Japan and South Korea have emphasized mother-tongue education, leading to high levels of academic achievement in S&T fields.Furthermore, multilingual countries like Nigeria and South Africa are experimenting with teaching science and math to primary students in their mother tongue.
India is also moving forward in promoting S&T education in native languages. For instance, the NEP-2020 emphasizes using the mother tongue or local language as the medium of instruction at least up to Grade 5, preferably till Grade 8 and beyond. The Ministry of Education is also working on translating technical and scientific textbooks into regional languages. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) is responsible for developing and standardizing scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages. Online platforms like SWAYAM offer courses from Class 9 to post-graduation in various subjects, including science and technology, in several Indian languages. Additionally, the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) is a national platform for school education that provides learning material, including S&T content, in multiple languages. The National Translation Mission (NTM) aims to translate a wide range of knowledge texts, including S&T content, into major Indian languages, supporting the dissemination of knowledge in regional languages. Furthermore, the Indian Government has launched the Technology Development for Indian Languages (TDIL) Programme, sponsoring various projects to develop technology and tools for Indian languages.
Challenges in Implementation
Although the Government of India is working on various projects for teaching S&T education in native languages, implementing such an initiative in a country like India presents significant challenges and requires a concerted effort. With over 19,500 mother tongues spoken in India, teaching and learning in local languages is a complex process. Additionally, the lack of precise scientific terminology and readily available resources in various languages poses another problem. Therefore, developing a framework for teaching S&T in students’ native languages in India involves strong Government commitment, clear policy directions, careful planning, resource allocation, technology inclusion, and dedicated teacher training.
For example, the Government must recognize the importance of mother-tongue instruction by allocating necessary resources to develop and sustain these programs, which involves creating policies that prioritize the development and translation of educational materials in various native languages and providing funding for research and development.Careful planning is essential to address the logistical complexities of implementing mother-tongue education. This includes determining which languages will be used in different regions, developing curricula that incorporate scientific terminology in these languages, and ensuring that textbooks and other educational resources are available. Resource allocation must also focus on producing high-quality translations of scientific concepts and creating supplementary materials that support teachers and students.Moreover, AI-driven technology can play a significant role in overcoming language barriers by providing real-time translation and resource development support.Finally, educators need specialized training to effectively teach complex scientific concepts in their native languages.
Potential Benefits
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of implementing mother-tongue education in Science and Technology (S&T) are significant.Students may develop a deeper and more profound understanding of scientific principles when taught in their native language. The reduced cognitive load associated with learning complex subjects in a familiar language allows students to focus on grasping complex concepts without the additional strain of overcoming language barriers. This can lead to enhanced overall learning experiences and better educational outcomes.Investing time, energy, and money in supporting effective mother-tongue-based S&T programs across various native languages is a wiser investment than continuing to fund an education system that fails to educate children adequately in any language.
Final Thought
In summary, while implementing mother-tongue education in S&T presents challenges, the potential benefits far outweigh the difficulties. The evidence from cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience strongly supports the feasibility and benefits of learning S&T in one’s mother tongue. The key for implementation lies in developing robust curricula, training educators, and ensuring that resources are available in multiple languages to bridge the gap between local languages and global scientific discourse.With strong government support, careful planning, resource allocation, and dedicated teacher training, India can transform its educational landscape and ensure that students receive a high-quality education in their native languages.As students often think and dream more creatively in their native languages, India can cultivate a generation of thinkers and innovators who are deeply connected to their cultural roots while being capable of contributing to global advancements in S&T.Additionally, integrating these languages into the educational system can help revitalize many of the 19,500 languages which are at risk of extinction, ensuring their survival for future generations.
(The author is Head of the Department of Electronics & IT, GCW Udhampur, J&K)
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