32: Benefits of Teaching the Mother Tongue

Content:

Mother tongue is the language that we are used to; it is commonly used at home.
Mother tongue usually depends on the location. Language differs from one place to
another. Under the new DepEd law, mother tongue has become part of the curriculum
that is to be taught in the elementary or primary years of the children. Learning the
lessons in mother tongue will help the students to appreciate their native language
including the proper use of it. Not only learning of English Filipino subjects. Mother
tongue is new field of teaching. Even the teacher learns because this new curriculum is
not often used. It is added to the subject to faster the learning skills of the students
teaching the mother tongue the better understanding of the English and Filipino
subjects. Because these subjects have the same contents as to English and Filipino. It
is simply a translation. But there are children who have a difficulty understanding.
English but when it is translated or explained to the dialect used they understand easily.

“Mother tongue promotion in the school helps develop not only the mother
tongue, but also children’s abilities in the majority school language” Cummins, J.
(2001). Bilingual children’s mother tongue: Why is it important for education.
Sprogforum, 19, 15-20

Benefits of mother tongue education

There are many benefits associated with an education that takes into account children’s
mother tongues:

● Children learn better and faster in a language they can understand (preventing
delays in learning).
● They enjoy school more, they feel more at home.
● Pupils tend to show increased self-esteem.
● Parents participation is increased. Parents can help with homework and can
participate in school activities.
● Studies have reported that when children take advantage of their multilingualism
they also enjoy higher socioeconomic status, including higher earnings.
● On average, the schools perform better,reporting less repetition.
● helps the child value its culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-
concept.
 ● language proficiency is an important variable for school success• strengthens
the foundation for language learning in a broader sense.
● allows for a smooth return to education in country of origin
● allows for better communication and a closer bond with family and friends in
country of origin.
● Finally, schools report children stay in school longer.

References

https://www.academia.edu/26826256/
The_benefits_of_Mother_Tongue_in_Teaching_Learning_Process_INTRODUCTION_B
ackground_of_the_study.

Cummins, J. (2001). Bilingual children’s mother tongue: Why is it important for

education. Sprogforum, 19, 15-20

https://www.languageone.org/about-languageone/mother-tongue-education/

https://www.rutufoundation.org/what-is-mother-tongue-education/#:~:text=There%20are
%20many%20benefits%20associated,to%20show%20increased%20self%2Desteem

Youtube Video Link:

Mother Tongue-based instruction in teaching children

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjo3U4698t0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki4ahuUJnkA