India’s diverse linguistic landscape includes 22 Scheduled Languages and 19,500 other active languages, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity.
Multilingualism is deeply ingrained in India’s education system, with students often navigating learning in two or more languages.
Scholar David Graddol views multilingualism as a cognitive asset, enhancing cognitive flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The demand for English language education is increasing in India due to its perceived economic value. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of local languages in education, advocating for a multilingual curriculum that incorporates mother tongue instruction, English, and other foreign languages. While multilingualism offers significant benefits, its implementation in Indian classrooms faces challenges such as the diversity of languages spoken and varying levels of proficiency among students.
Strategies for effective implementation include conducting research to inform policies, creating quality teaching materials tailored to linguistic needs, and providing teacher training in multilingual pedagogy. The importance of preserving and promoting local languages is need of hour while recognizing the growing demand for English language skills in India. It highlights the cognitive benefits of multilingualism and its role in preparing students for a globalized world. By aligning with the NEP 2020, the government’s commitment to inclusive education through multilingual instruction. Challenges such as linguistic diversity and proficiency disparities are acknowledged, indicating a realistic assessment of the complexities involved. The suggested strategies for implementation address key areas such as research, teaching materials, and teacher training, reflecting a holistic approach to overcoming challenges. Overall, it is effectively advocates for the integration of multilingualism into India’s education system while acknowledging the need for careful planning and innovative solutions to address implementation challenges.
