Engage Children In Simple Activities To Promote Love For Regional Languages

National Education Policy (NEP) has brought a fair share of changes in school pedagogy. From -5+3+3+4 system to three language policy the landscape of school education is changing. The government's regional language policy, part of the NEP, promotes using the home language, mother tongue, local or regional language as the primary medium of instruction at least till Class 5 but preferably till Class 8. The government wants all public and private schools to follow this rule. Bilingual science and Math materials are encouraged for proficiency in both the home language and English.

NCERT also has this serious task to the highest priority so that textbooks in 22 scheduled languages can be made available to all students from the next sessions.

While some schools are in the process of making these changes, some state governments have already submitted themselves. They have already introduced regional language in the school curriculum and teaching methodology. Here the teaching methodology means the medium of instruction.

States That Are Making It Mandatory

The state governments of Punjab, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan have made the compulsion to teach the regional language of their states compulsory. The schools want their students to have basic knowledge of the regional language of that state.

The chairman of UGC also has realised that regional languages or mother tongues can enhance creative ability of a child. But have you wondered why the stress the use of regional language? Will it make our education system any better?

Why Do Schools Encourage Regional Language?

India has a rich cultural history. Every Indian language has a unique story of its inception. If the regional language is not revived the folklore, songs, and hymns related to the cultural tradition of the language will also die. As the citizens of our country, it's our duty to teach these regional languages to our kids keeping them culturally connected.

English is not our native language, so it does not come naturally to us. Most Indians still think in Hindi, translate it into English and then speak. When a kid with no background in a foreign language, in this case English, joins an English medium school, making a conversation in a new language becomes difficult for them. If the medium of instruction is their regional language students can easily understand the directions and adjust to the new phase.

The native language makes the classroom environment more comfortable encouraging more participation from kids from weak English backgrounds. Kids coming from rural backgrounds might be under-confident to interact in the class even if they might have more knowledge because of the language barrier.

How Can Family Help In Learning Regional Languages?

Family is the first classroom of a child’s life. Children imitate their parents and their grandparent's words and actions. But, as we aspire to be progressive we are losing touch with our roots. Families living in urban and semi-urban areas are proficient in English. They know the importance of English as a global language. So they start talking with the child in English, to give them the basic vocabulary-which is a good step. But it progresses to become a medium of regular communication within the family.

Parents and grandparents should understand that as important as English is, so is the importance of the mother tongue. If they don't make the kids realise the importance of their native language and make it a habit, we are soon going to see a future where regional languages will disappear.

After family, the kids are most likely to be influenced by their school. These impressionable little ones spend a major chunk of their time in the classroom. The classroom plays a huge role in developing a child’s knowledge, skills, and personality. Careers360 suggests tips that can be followed by teachers and parents alike, to help children pick up regional language speaking skills in an easy way. Let’s look at some of these tips:

Language Quiz

Quizzes are the best way to test the knowledge of a student in a fun way. Especially when there are rounds like who answers first, bonus points for a difficult question, passing the question to the next team etc. These aspects add thrills to the learning experience and inculcate a healthy competitive spirit in the student. For example, if the quiz is held in the regional language of all the states of India, it is fun to learn.

Essays

“Writing makes a man perfect” is a famous quote. When students write in a new language they pay closer attention to the vocabulary, spelling and grammar of the language. It promotes not only linguistic competence but also creativity and expression.

For example, if students of Tamil Nadu get the topic "Write about-My Favorite Festival in Telugu” it will not only challenge children to use the language effectively. Students can also make connections between their personal experiences with the language learning process.

Schools should in turn give the students to improve their language and writing skills. For some fun, teachers can also give remarks in Telugu.

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Language Games

Games are activities that no student will ever say no to. Games with elements of regional language skills engage children's minds and encourage them to think critically about language. Teachers can introduce games like scrabble, pictionary, puzzles etc.

For example, if there is a puzzle with the Bengali word misti (sweet) in Bengali the student while arranging the pieces of the puzzle will not only not sharpen his/ her brain cell in solving a puzzle but will remember how misti is spelt Bengali.

Storytelling

Storytelling is a timeless and effective method for introducing regional languages to kids. It sparks their imagination and builds a connection between language and narrative. Teachers and parents can read a story in regional languages for the students. Later, students can narrate the same story from their memory, using actions, those stresses and pauses in the dialogues. This will captivate the attention of the students and thus make them listen to the words used in the language. Further narration will improve the speaking skills of the students

Songs and Podcasts

Music is a universal language. Songs are catchy, and their repetitive nature helps in vocabulary retention. Punjabi songs are heard worldwide despite not knowing the meaning of the lyrics.

When students listen to age-friendly songs they develop an interest towards the language. They start humming the song subconsciously thus learning the pronunciation of the words. Some even get curious to find the meaning of the words expanding their vocabulary. If schools play such songs in the classroom students will get refreshed from boring lectures of theoretical classes, and will learn something while enjoying the vibe.

Students can also use podcasts or language learning apps that offer audio content in regional languages. This allows kids to explore a variety of topics while improving their listening skills.

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Plays

Schools should encourage students to participate in plays in regional languages. Plays give an immersive and educational experience to the students. When they participate in performances they understand the nuances and cultural background of the language.

This involvement helps students to boost their self-confidence and public speaking abilities. Schools can conduct regional language plays based on folklore. This will introduce students to and also make their speaking skills better

Comics

Comics are a fantastic way to engage kids in regional languages. Comics have short stories, with fun pictorial representations capturing the attention of students. Schools can make age -age-appropriate comics a part of their curriculum and regional language. The famous comic series “Chacha Chaudhary” is every children’s favourite and is also available in Punjabi.

Promoting regional language will not disrupt the importance of the English language. English is and will always be widely used in national and international transactions. Regional languages are promoted to keep the culture of our country. It will just ensure the smooth transitioning of students from a non-English speaking background to an English medium school.

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