Gaining proficiency in both one's mother tongue and English holds immense importance in education. This dual-language competence offers many advantages for students and society as a whole. This is not to say that learning any other or any number of foreign languages is not advantageous; it always is. Rather, the focus here is on emphasising bilingualism (mother tongue + English) as a basic minimum in language proficiency for any child.
First and foremost, bilingualism preserves cultural heritage and strengthens family bonds. Proficiency in one's mother tongue ensures that traditions, values, and the essence of one's cultural identity are passed down through generations. Moreover, research suggests that learning two languages enhances problem-solving skills, multitasking abilities, and even memory. It fosters flexibility of mind, which can lead to improved academic performance.
In an increasingly globalised world, English proficiency is often a ticket to better opportunities. Bilingual students are better equipped to communicate, study, and work on an international level. Furthermore, bilingualism promotes empathy and cross-cultural understanding, which is crucial in a diverse society. It encourages tolerance, and bridges gaps between people of different linguistic backgrounds.
In conclusion, bilingualism enables personal growth, cognitive development, and cultural preservation, and it also fosters a more connected and harmonious world. It's an investment that pays dividends both in the classroom and throughout life. There is research that shows Indian parents’ overmuch emphasis on English education is hampering proficiency in the mother tongue without giving any proportionate advantage in English.
Measureme, our Self-Assessment + Randomised Social Audit (SARSA) platform for education, attaches great importance on bilingual skills in its assessments, which are more thorough and exacting than conventional assessments. Measureme can assess your child’s bilingual skills and help them improve these foundational skills in simple steps.
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