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Mother Tongue as a Tool for Foundational Literacy under National Education Policy 2020
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: School of Humanities, Social Science and Fine Art
DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I3-1710560-259
Abstract
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the central role of the mother tongue in building strong foundations of literacy and learning, particularly in the early years of schooling. Recognizing that language is not merely a medium of communication but also a carrier of culture, identity, and cognition, NEP 2020 advocates for the use of the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8. This approach aligns with global research which highlights that children learn best when taught in a language they understand, as it enhances comprehension, creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. The policy underscores that foundational literacy and numeracy, being the bedrock of education, can be most effectively achieved when children are introduced to reading and writing in their home language, which minimizes cognitive load and bridges the gap between home and school environments. Moreover, using the mother tongue promotes inclusivity by reducing barriers for students from diverse linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, thereby democratizing access to quality education. NEP 2020 also stresses the importance of multilingualism, encouraging a transition from the mother tongue to other Indian and global languages in later stages, thus ensuring both rootedness and global competency. Hence, the mother tongue emerges not only as a pedagogical tool but also as a powerful enabler of equitable and holistic education envisioned by NEP 2020.
Keywords
Mother Tongue, Foundational Literacy, NEP 2020, Multilingualism, Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Learning etc.
References
[1] Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education.
[2] UNESCO. (2016). If you don’t understand, how can you learn? Global Education Monitoring Report.
[3] Rajeev Ranjan. (2020). Multilingualism and the power of language in NEP 2020. Rajeevelt.com.
[4] Times of India. (2020, Aug 9). NEP 2020: Instructions in mother tongue may help learners grasp better.
[5] The Daily Guardian. (2020). NEP 2020: Step towards Achhe Din.
[6] NDTV. (2020). National Education Policy 2020: Indian languages central to learning.
[7] Sentinel Assam. (2022). NEP 2020 and new language policy for upholding multicultural ethos.
[8] World Bank. (2021). Foundational Learning: Understanding the basics of literacy and numeracy.
[9] Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power, and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters.
[10] Benson, C. (2004). The importance of mother tongue-based schooling for educational quality. UNESCO.
[11] Heugh, K. (2011). Theory and practice—Language education models in Africa: Research, design, decision-making, and outcomes. In A. Ouane & C. Glanz (Eds.), Optimising learning, education and publishing in Africa: The language factor (pp. 105–156). UNESCO.
[12] Skutnabb-Kangas, T. (2009). Multilingual education for global justice: Issues, approaches, opportunities. Orient Blackswan.
[13] Bialystok, E. (2011). Reshaping the mind: The benefits of bilingualism. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology, 65(4), 229–235.
How to cite this paper
@article{1710560,
author = {Danveer Gautam, Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Chauhan},
title = {Mother Tongue as a Tool for Foundational Literacy under National Education Policy 2020},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {574-580},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1710560.pdf},
abstract = {The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the central role of the mother tongue in building strong foundations of literacy and learning, particularly in the early years of schooling. Recognizing that language is not merely a medium of communication but also a carrier of culture, identity, and cognition, NEP 2020 advocates for the use of the mother tongue or regional language as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8. This approach aligns with global research which highlights that children learn best when taught in a language they understand, as it enhances comprehension, creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. The policy underscores that foundational literacy and numeracy, being the bedrock of education, can be most effectively achieved when children are introduced to reading and writing in their home language, which minimizes cognitive load and bridges the gap between home and school environments. Moreover, using the mother tongue promotes inclusivity by reducing barriers for students from diverse linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, thereby democratizing access to quality education. NEP 2020 also stresses the importance of multilingualism, encouraging a transition from the mother tongue to other Indian and global languages in later stages, thus ensuring both rootedness and global competency. Hence, the mother tongue emerges not only as a pedagogical tool but also as a powerful enabler of equitable and holistic education envisioned by NEP 2020.},
keywords = {Mother Tongue, Foundational Literacy, NEP 2020, Multilingualism, Inclusive Education, Early Childhood Learning etc.},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I3-1710560-259}
}