Mother tongue learning

 Learning the first language at home and at school

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  First language, mother tongue or home language is the language spoken at home before a child begins school. Research shows that having a strong foundation in a first language makes acquiring a second easier. Children who have a solid foundation in their mother tongue, develop better literacy skills in other languages that they subsequently learn. It is important therefore, that as parents we spend time talking, reading and developing the first language of our children because as research shows bilingual learners’ brains are more flexible they store two languages simultaneously. Evidence also now shows that bilingual learners are overall better in academic performance than monolingual learners.

  
  So how can you help at home?
  

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• Speak in your first language! You are the best model for your child to develop strong vocabulary, proper grammar, and natural communication skills. If one parent’s first language is English, then speak English to your child whilst the other parent speaks his/her first language so that both languages are being developed equally
• Sing songs, tell stories and share books in your first language
• Watch TV or movies in your first language and talk about them
• Talk together in your first language at meal times, family outings, and family celebrations
• Stay in touch with family and friends by talking together on Skype or writing emails
• Read first language books and encourage writing in the first language

Mother tongue learning

The importance of mother tongue language in education

A consequence of the ever-increasing popularity of international schools is the growth in the number of children learning in a language other than their first. This can open opportunities for the individual but, as Carolyn Savage explains, continuing to develop the mother tongue is vital to enhance learning.

Importance of first language

We are living in a time of unprecedented travel, with technological advances and globalization offering more and more people the opportunity to explore and live in cultures that are not their own. International schools have been established for decades now and are rapidly growing in popularity, particularly amongst local populations, as they offer easier access to higher education opportunities around the world. As a consequence, the number of children learning in a language other than their mother tongue is growing rapidly.

Research indicates that having a strong mother tongue foundation leads to a much better understanding of the curriculum as well as a more positive attitude towards school, so it’s vital that children maintain their first language when they begin schooling in a different language.

Developing the mother tongue

When children develop their mother tongue, they are simultaneously fostering a whole host of other essential skills, such as critical thinking and literacy skills. It is this skill-set that they take with them into formal education, and research tells us that any skills and concepts gained in the learner’s home language don’t need to be re-taught when they transfer to a second language. For example, if a child has developed the ability to guess the meaning of a word through its context or to infer meaning by reading between the lines, these skills are easily transferred when they begin studying in a second language. It is much harder, however, to teach these abstract skills directly through a second language.

It’s also well known that a strong mother tongue foundation equips children with the skills they need to learn additional languages, allowing them to transfer their understanding of the structure of language to several new languages. The intuitive understanding of grammar that develops when children learn their first language can easily be passed on to other languages. With multilingualism becoming an increasingly sought-after attribute within the workplace, this advantage cannot be overstated. Globalization and increased co-operation between nations mean that, in many 0rganisations, it has become a requirement to have language skills in addition to being a specialist within a particular field.

Language and mother tongue also play a huge role in the development of personal, social and cultural identity. Children with a strong foundation in their first language often display a deeper understanding of themselves and their place within society, along with an increased sense of wellbeing and confidence. Naturally, this flows down into every aspect of their lives, including their academic achievement.