UNESCO Guideline On Language Education
UNESCO Guideline On Language Education
REPORTERS
I. Arrange the letters to form the correct words related to the guideline on language
education.
1. ORTMHE UTNOGE
2. NEOUSC
3. TIMUL-INLUAGL
4. UIDEGENLIS
5. UANLAGGE
6. UPOLATPNIO
7. UCEDNAOIT
8. YLIOPC
9. ECTINHGA
10. GRTASETSIE
II. Think of a phrase/sentence from your mother tongue and translate it in English.
Write it inside the table.
2) 2)
3) 3)
4) 4)
5) 5)
6) 6)
7) 7)
8) 8)
9) 9)
10) 10)
UNESCO GUIDELINES ON LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Language of Instructions
Despite the progression of most countries in the world, many encounter hurdles when
it comes to choosing an appropriate language instruction. For the reason that most students,
as well as linguistic groups have no exposure to the official language. However, Mother
Tongue-Based (MTB) education has been proven by researchers to bring efficient learning
results, importantly when it is supported by the government and enough financial resources
are available with sufficient and excellent learning materials. Furthermore, Mother Tongue-
Based Multilingual Education (MBT-MLE) possessed at least two different languages. The
availability of language teaching and practices provide help to student in order to attain a
higher quality of education. Therefore allows occupations and proper social movements.
It is crucial for political figures at both national and local levels to agree on and
validate the need for implementing language instruction strategies. The national ministry
must recognize and endorse the languages used for teaching nationwide. For example, in
Latin America, with its diverse array of over 500 indigenous languages, several governments
have adopted multilingual teaching methods (Cortina, 2014, as cited by IIEP-UNESCO,
2018). Proper identification of languages is vital for pedagogical effectiveness, particularly
for languages without written forms. It is important to secure comprehensive documentation,
review orthography and grammar, and develop vocabulary for unfamiliar subjects.
Establishing communication with communities regarding Mother Tongue Based Multilingual
Education (MTB-MLE) and involving them in program management is essential for creating
culturally relevant curricula. MTB-MLE also boosts parental involvement, which greatly
supports children's learning.
It is crucial to train educators to teach in multiple languages. Both pre-service and in-
service teacher training programs should be designed to support mother tongue-based
multilingual education (MTB-MLE) programs effectively. For instance, the Consolidated
Strategy of Nepal 2014 established teacher training programs in 22 local languages.
Educators should also gain knowledge about local culture, beliefs, and traditions in addition
to learning the local language.
Additionally, create teaching and learning materials that are adapted to the language,
context, and pedagogical needs. Textbooks, dictionaries, and other educational resources
should be produced in a decentralized manner, with contributions from national authorities.
● Subtractive model: transition from teaching in the learners’ main language to the
second main language in the early years of education.
● Early-exit transitional model: transition in the language of instruction from the
mother tongue to the second language during the fourth year of basic education.
● Two-way bilingual education: in the same classroom, two groups of pupils with
their own mother tongues.
● Medium-exit transitional model: transition in the language of instruction from the
mother tongue to the second language during the sixth year of basic education.
● Late exit / very late-exit transitional model: after at least eight years of teaching in
the mother tongue, lessons can be taught in another language since pupils have had
lessons in this second language before.
● Additive model: six to eight years with the mother tongue as the first language in
addition to a good provision of another language. This can be followed by bilingual
education.
● Mother tongue medium education: The mother tongue is the language in which
lessons are taught, but there is still a good provision of another language.
In cases where different languages are spoken in the same classroom, MTB multi-
grade can be an option, however, it implies investing more in teaching and learning materials.
The use of inclusive and gender-responsive language inside the classroom and
throughout the national education system will not only tackle the issue expressed above but
also enhance student’s learning experience and educational outcomes (FAWE, 2006). The
following strategies can be implemented:
Political commitment and support at both national and local levels are essential.
Children with disabilities should be educated in their native languages (WHO, 2011). It is
important to recognize various languages, modes, and means of communication used by
children with disabilities as official languages at the national level. For instance, Kenya’s
constitution acknowledges Kenya Sign Language and Braille as important languages, while
Ecuador implements a bilingual education model for students with hearing impairments, with
sign language as the primary language and Spanish as the secondary language for reading and
writing (UNESCO, 2018). The entire education system should use inclusive language.
Engage students, parents, and the community by teaching parents and, if possible, all
students the relevant languages, modes, and means of communication used by children with
disabilities in the classroom. For example, a Red Cross-run community preschool in Tonga
trained all students in sign language to facilitate communication with deaf children.
Teacher recruitment should prioritize hiring teachers with disabilities who are
qualified in sign language and braille, and ensure adequate staffing at all education levels. If
there is a shortage of teachers who speak local languages or sign language, consider
employing teacher assistants, Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) workers, or staff from
relevant organizations.
Political commitment and resources are crucial for providing mother tongue
instruction, particularly in the early years, to displaced populations (UNESCO, 2019;
Moumné and Sakai, 2017). Research shows that mother tongue education can enhance
cognitive development and second language literacy (Benson and Kosonen, 2013; Dolson
and Mayer, 1992; Bühmann and Trudell, 2008; IDRC, 1997; Ball, 2011 as cited in Cerna,
2019: 28).
Research indicates that mother tongue instruction is crucial for ensuring quality
education and student success. However, it is equally important to prioritize helping
displaced populations learn the host community’s language to facilitate their integration and
inclusion in mainstream settings (UNESCO, 2018a; UNESCO, 2018b; Moumné and Sakai,
2017). This can be achieved through accelerated, intensive second language programs, with
ongoing support throughout their educational journey.
When resources permit, mainstream classes should support both host language
acquisition and mother tongue development (Cerna, 2019). For instance, in Malmö, Sweden,
introductory preschool classes for displaced children with limited or no Swedish proficiency
aim to strengthen both their Swedish language skills and their mother tongues (UNESCO,
2019: 35). Research indicates that displaced individuals' sense of belonging in national
schools is closely linked to their ability to maintain their native languages while also learning
the host country’s language.
This dual-language proficiency helps them communicate with teachers and peers,
navigate the new educational system, and maintain family connections, all of which are
crucial for their learning and integration (Dryden-Peterson et al., 2018: 14). To provide
quality educational opportunities, the education system, particularly schools, must adopt
effective strategies for multilingualism and intercultural education.
Additionally, it is necessary to recruit teachers for the host community language. For
instance, Germany hired 8,500 language teachers in 2014 and 2015 to assist displaced
populations with language acquisition (Global Education Monitoring Report Team and
UNHCR, 2016). Co-teaching models, where refugee and host country teachers collaborate,
can also be explored to support displaced students in adapting to the language of instruction
(UNESCO, 2019). For further information on expanding the pool of teachers, refer to the
Policy page on Appropriate Teacher Candidates.
Decision-makers and policy planners must ensure that all teachers are trained in
language learning and multilingual teaching to address the diverse linguistic needs of both
refugee and national students (Bartlett and Garcia, 2011; Ruiz, 1984 as cited in Dryden-
Peterson et al., 2018: 12). Teachers should also receive training in using inclusive language,
and all relevant stakeholders should be supported to address their biases and stereotypes.
Schools and the education system must enforce policies that eliminate negative language
towards displaced populations and promote inclusive language. Furthermore, policies on the
language of instruction should be complemented by the development of inclusive teaching
and learning materials tailored to the specific languages, contexts, and pedagogical needs of
displaced populations.
For states to deliver high-quality, inclusive education, the language of instruction must be one
that students can speak and understand (OREALC-UNESCO and LLECE, 2020: 12).
Research shows that Mother Tongue-Based (MTB) education enhances cognitive
development, improves learning efficiency, aids in second language acquisition, and boosts
students' self-confidence and classroom participation (Cerna, 2019; UNESCO, 2012;
UNESCO, 2010; United Nations Human Rights Council, 2009). For example, experiences in
Namibia, Norway, and Malaysia demonstrate that teaching children in their native language,
especially in early preschool education, provides a strong foundation for learning (United
Nations Human Rights Council, 2009).
Several challenges related to mother tongue instruction must be recognized and addressed in
language policies (King and Schielmann, 2004; UNESCO, 2010):
● The lack of teacher training and recruitment of teachers speaking the concerned
languages.
The limited number of speakers in certain minority and indigenous languages, and the high
demographic changes.
ASSESSMENT :
1. What is one key benefit of early childhood education in the mother tongue?
a) Delays language acquisition
b) Reduces student engagement
c) Enhances learning outcomes and literacy
d) Increases educational costs
3. Which model emphasizes a gradual transition from the mother tongue to another language
over several years?
a) Additive model
b) Subtractive model
c) Late exit transitional model
d) Early-exit transitional model
7. How can intensive language programs for displaced populations facilitate integration?
a) By focusing solely on mother tongue education
b) By offering rapid acquisition of the host community’s language
c) By eliminating the need for additional language support
d) By excluding non-verbal communication skills
8. What should be a priority when developing teaching materials for children with
disabilities?
a) Complex language structures
b) Accessibility and alternative communication formats
c) Generic content with no adaptations
d) Minimal use of specialized tools
10. Which of the following strategies is most crucial for effective Mother Tongue-Based
Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) implementation?
a) Using only the official language for instruction
b) Providing extensive training for teachers in multiple languages
c) Limiting the use of mother tongues to a few subjects
d) Focusing solely on the host country's language
11. It is a transition from teaching in the learner’s main language to the second main language
in the early years of education.
a) Subtractive model
b) Additive model
c) Mother tongue medium education
d) Medium-exit transitional model
12. It is a transition in the language of instruction from the mother tongue to the second
language during the sixth year of basic education.
a) Subtractive model
b) Additive model
c) Mother tongue medium education
d) Medium-exit transitional model
13. Six to eight years with the mother tongue as the first language in addition to a good
provision of another language. This can be followed by bilingual education.
a) Subtractive model
b) Additive model
c) Mother tongue medium education
d) Medium-exit transitional model
14. It is the language in which lessons are taught, but there is still a good provision of another
language.
a) Subtractive model
b) Additive model
c) Mother tongue medium education
d) Medium-exit transitional model
15. It is a transition in the language of instruction from the mother-tongue to the second
language during the fourth year of basic education.
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ANSWER KEY