In today’s interconnected world, the significance of native language in education and public health cannot be overstated While English language proficiency has become a benchmark for global communication, intelligence and eloquence are not directly correlated with language proficiency Notably, countries that prioritize native language education, such as China and Japan, have achieved remarkable success, with GDPs exceeding US$15 trillion and US$4 trillion, respectively In fact, native language instruction yields numerous benefits, including improved academic outcomes
Moreover, bilingual children demonstrate better planning and organisation skills, task-switching, and inhibitory control compared to monolingual children, leading to better academic performance and increased creativity For example, Finland’s education system exemplifies the success of native language instruction, with students taught in Finnish or Swedish achieving excellent academic outcomes and consistently ranking high in international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) PISA is a worldwide study that evaluates education systems based on 15-year-old students’ performance in reading, mathematics, and science literacy Similarly, Sweden’s bilingual education system supports both Swedish and minority languages, promoting cultural diversity and improving academic outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds
This approach enables students to connect with their heritage and develop a deeper understanding of their cultural identity More so, prominent figures in countries like China often prefer to use their native language when speaking on public platforms They engage interpreters or translators to ensure their message is conveyed accurately and effectively This approach highlights the importance of native language in communication, even among highly educated and influential individuals
Therefore, teaching in native languages can alleviate this issue, by enabling teachers to clearly express concepts and facilitate deeper understanding among students Evidence also shows that high-achieving students in Ordinary Level may excel in English language with distinctions yet struggle with other subjects, highlighting that eloquence in English is not directly correlated with intelligence or academic ability in other subjects Historically, the emphasis on English language proficiency has its roots in colonialism, where language was used as a tool to shape the mindset of the colonised, often prioritising the coloniser’s language over native languages.
Source: Thestandard
