Native language Importance

 IMPORTANCE OF NATIVE LANGUAGE

Language as a part of culture

Observational aspects of culture, such as food, clothing, religion and language, are only a part of a person's cultural heritage. The shared cultural heritage unites the members of the group and creates a sense of belonging through the acceptance of this community. Language is an integral part of cultural expression. As a source for the communication of values, beliefs and customs, it fulfils an important social function and promotes a sense of group identity and solidarity. It is a means by which a culture, its traditions and its common values can be transmitted and preserved. Cultural and linguistic diversity is a feature of most countries today as historical events and human migration bring people from different groups together. In multilingual societies, the preservation of the languages of different ethnic and cultural groups is essential for the preservation of cultural heritage and identity. Loss of language means loss of culture and identity. 

Throughout history, in many societies, the suppression of the language of minority groups has been a deliberate policy to curb their minority culture. As a result, many languages of the world were lost during the process of colonization and migration. A person's understanding of their own cultural identity and that of others develops from birth and is shaped by the values and attitudes that prevail at home and in the surrounding community. This identity becomes more complex and fluid over time as people develop loyalties to different groups within society. Linguistic ability also helps migrants maintain cultural and linguistic ties with their country, and proficiency in a second language helps foreigners adapt more easily to new cultures.  At the same time, cultures are not self-sustaining, but changing and evolving as different groups' systems of belief and way of life adapt to other cultural influences, including mass media and popular culture, so that new identities are born. 

Role of language in shaping personalities

Multiculturalism is a common thing in this day and age where people are moving to new places all the time. In this order, it is the duty of all people to not only regard their own language, but learning a new one opens up new possibilities for them, which makes the world much bigger. According to psychologists, the language parents use to communicate with their child is very important. This will shape the way they look at the world and the way they express themselves. For the first time, the child will use this language to express fear, joy and sadness.  There have been numerous studies, all of which show that people react differently to words that were written in other languages that they understand than the words which were shown in their mother tongue. Infact, the brain cells react to the native words even before they manage to understand them.

Importance of native language

Researchers mention that when parents are unable to communicate well with their children, they cannot easily pass on their values, beliefs, or advice on how to cope with their experiences. Clear communication helps parents deliver their wisdom to their children and enables them to become the kind of men and women they want. When parents are unable to socialize and influence their children due to language barriers, families may lose the intimacy that comes with common beliefs and understanding. This aspect is most important for parents with an immigrant background. They need to make sure their children have enough command on their mother tongue. Maintaining your mother tongue is critical to your identity and contributes to a positive self-image. The Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) states that further study of native language after childhood helps to value our culture and heritage. When parents keep their native language alive at home, they learn to be proud of their culture and roots. 

How native language effect second language?

Bilingualism is the ability to use two languages, some people may be comfortable using both languages in the same conditions and can easily switch from one to the other. Many linguists and bilinguals argue that for multi-cultural societies, it is important to support the use of a first language to teach young bilinguals.  Mother tongue education in primary years offers a better introduction to literacy, which is useful in mastering another language. Learning another language becomes less chaotic, if a child masters the first language in the forms of speech, listening, reading and writing which can be transferred to the learning of the second language as well.  The report of (1953) UNESCO Committee shows that students learn through their first language more quickly than unknown language sources. As a result, the best medium to teach a child is the mother tongue, through which children better understand and express themselves freely.

How a language becomes extinct?

With the onset of globalization, it became necessary for us to learn foreign languages. But this should not have impact on our native languages. Language is not only a means of communication, but also powerful tools to preserve our culture and heritage. When a language dies, a part of the culture dies with it. According to a UN report, at least 43 percent of the world's more than 6,000 spoken languages are at risk of extinction. In India alone, there are about 600 endangered languages. To prevent the disappearance of languages, the UN introduced International Mother Language Day in 1999. It is celebrated annually on February 21. This day also marks the death of four students who died fighting for the right to use their native Bengali language in Dhaka. Almost half of the 6,500 languages of the world are in danger. Experts predict that most of the endangered languages will be extinct by 2050.

How to save our languages?

To save our languages, we need to make sure our people know why our languages are endangered and that our languages are important to our lives and to who we are. The responsibility falls on the younger generation of speakers who have the training, vitality and perseverance to carry out the activities necessary to save our languages. It is necessary to identify ways and means that allow them to play an active role in the revitalization of our languages. To enable our people to become language teachers, linguists, interpreters, and translators there must be appropriate, standardized training programs. It is not worth having language training workshops or short courses offered by different colleges or universities. The range of courses offered in local studies, education or other degrees does not promote much awareness. It requires a certificate, degree or diploma in Native or Aboriginal languages or a full-fledged training program leading to a better language family.

A collaborative approach to language curriculum development would be the most effective way to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in language learning. We can't leave the preschools; It has to be a family and community responsibility. To teach our languages effectively, planning is essential. While planning language programs throughout the community, it is important that a general plan is established. It should cover everything from preschool education to adult education, both in formal institutions and in community programs. This ensures that learning is continuous and unnecessary duplication of work is avoided. The community must take the initiative and actively participate in the planning and implementation of language programs. The plan must be based on the philosophy of the people and the objectives must be clearly formulated by them.