Mother Tongue-Based

Multilingual Education
(MTB-MLE)
 Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)
is one of the distinctive features of the K to 12 program that
was signed into law on May 15, 2013 by former President
Benigno Aquino III. The introduction of the MTB-MLE,
specifically from Kindergarten to Grade 3, is grounded on
the belief that children learn best if the language used in
instruction is understandable and accessible to the young
learners.
Concept and Definition

 Mother Tongue - means one’s native language, the language

learned by children and passed from one generation to the next.
 Language – is the expression of ideas by means of speech-sounds
combined into words.
 Bilingual – the use of two languages.
 Multilingual – the use of two or more languages.
 Literacy – the ability to read and write.
What is Language?

 A system of conventional spoken, manual, or written

symbols by means of human being, as members of a
social group and participants in its culture, express
themselves.
 Language is the foundation of every culture.
 It is an abstract system of word meaning and symbols for
all aspect of culture.
 LANGUAGE INCLUDES:
 Speech
 Symbols
 Written character
 Gestures
 Numerals
 Expressions of non-verbal communication
 MOTHER TONGUE-BASED MULTINGUAL EDUCATION
 MTB refers to the” first language-first” education, that in schooling
which begins in the mother tongue and transition to additional
languages.
 MLE is the use of more than two languages for literacy and
instruction. It starts from where the learners are, and from what
they already know.
THE PURPOSE OF MTB-MLE

 To develop appropriate cognitive and reasoning skills

enabling children to operate equally in different languages
– starting in the mother tongue with transition to Filipino
and then English and to preserve the Philippine cultural
treasure as well.
The 12 official languages considered by DepEd in its MTB-MLE Implementation
Tagalog
Cebuano
Iloko
Kapampangan
Hiligaynon/Ilonggo
Bicolano
Waray
Pampango
Pangasinense
Maguindanaoan
Chabacano
Maranao
 7 More Approved Dialects
 Ybanag
 Ivatan
 Sambal
 Aklanon
 Kinaray-a
 Yakan
 Surigaonon
Laws Supporting MTB-MLE

Republic Act 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013)

-- Highlighted the reality and relevance of Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education
(MTB-MLE)
Department of Education DO #74, S. 2009
---Institutionalized MTB-MLE
DO #28, S. 2013
-- Provided guidelines for the implementation of MTB-MLE.
Why teaching mother tongue as a subject in
school important?

 It will preserve our country’s cultural treasure.

 Provides learners with a strong educational foundation in
the first language in terms of instruction.
 It
is a stepping stone in achieving the aims of education as
well as the goal of functional literacy.
STAGES OF AN MLE PROGRAM

 1. STAGE I – Learning takes place entirely in the child’s home

language.
 2. STAGE II – Building fluency in the mother tongue.
Introduction of oral L2.
 3. STAGE III – Building fluency in L2.
Introduction of literacy in L2.
 4. STAGE IV – Using both L1 and L2 for life long learning.
When will children start learning Filipino and
English?

 As they develop a strong foundation in their L1,

children are gradually introduced to the official
languages, Filipino and English, as a separate
subjects first orally, then in written form.
What kind of learners does MLE intend to
produce?

 A. MULTI-LITERATE
They can read and write competently in the local language, the national
language, and one or more languages wider communication such as English.
B. MULTILINGUAL
They can use these languages in various situations and interactions for
learning in school.
Why use the Mother Tongue in school?

 One’s own language enables a child to express him/herself easily,

as there is no fear of making mistakes.
 MLE encourages active participation by children in the learning
process because they understand what is being discussed and what
is being asked to them.
 Children can immediately use the L1 to construct and explain their
world, articulate their thoughts and add new concepts to what they
already know.
“ Our language is the refection of
ourselves. A language is an exact
reflection of the character and growth
of its speakers.”
Cezar Chavez
 Take home activity:
 What do you foresee as challenges or difficulties that you will encounter when you teach
Mother Tongue as a learning area?