JAI GURU DEV

MAHARISHI INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL

SCHOOL SANTHAVELUR, SUNGUVAR
CHATHIRAM

TOPIC : IMPORTANCE OF MOTHER TONGUE

NAME OF The STUDENT: KARRISH.S

CLASS: 12
SECTION: B1
 MAHARISHI INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL
SCHOOL
CERTIFICATE
2024-25

This is to certify that KARRISH.S studying in

Class XII Section B1 has successfully
completed his ALS based Project Portfolio for
the academic session 2024-‘25 under the
guidance of Mrs.SHANMUGAPRIYA. He/She
has adhered to the timeline specified by the
Board for the planning, preparation and
submitted the project portfolio within the
stipulated time.

Principal
DR.L.SARUMATHY
MAHARISHI INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL
SCHOOL
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to

express my sincere gratitude to my English
teacher Mrs.SHANMUGAPRIYA for providing
her invaluable guidance, support and
suggestions throughout the course of the
project.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the
Principal Mrs.L.SARUMATHY who gave me/
us the golden opportunity to do this
wonderful project on the topic which also
helped me in doing a lot of research and I
came to know about so many new things.
Secondly, I would like to thank my parents,
neighbour and friends who helped me a lot in
finishing this project within the limited time.
The project work has not only enhanced my
knowledge but has also improved my
listening and speaking skills.
 Statement of Purpose/Objectives/Goals:

Importance of mother tongue:

The mother tongue is more than a mode of communication; it is a

profound expression of identity, culture, and tradition. My

purpose in advocating for the importance of the mother tongue is

to highlight its role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering

cognitive development, and strengthening emotional connections.

Objectives
1. Preservation of Cultural Identity:

The mother tongue carries the essence of a community’s culture,

history, and values. Through its use, we sustain the traditions and

stories that define our heritage, ensuring they are passed down to

future generations.

2. Foundation of Learning:

Research shows that education in one's mother tongue fosters

better understanding and cognitive growth. It builds a solid

foundation for acquiring additional languages and concepts,

enhancing overall academic success.

 3. Emotional Bonding:

The mother tongue strengthens relationships within families and

communities. It is often the language of comfort, love, and

emotional expression, creating deeper connections.

4. Social and Economic Empowerment:

Promoting the use of the mother tongue can boost local

economies by supporting indigenous industries and encouraging

the creation of culturally relevant literature, art, and media.

Goals:

1. To encourage bilingual or multilingual education systems that

prioritize the mother tongue in early learning stages.

2. To create awareness campaigns about the significance of

preserving and using one's native language in daily life.

3. To collaborate with linguistic organizations to document and

revive endangered languages.

4. To foster pride in linguistic diversity by celebrating

International Mother Language Day and similar initiatives...

.
 Action Plan for Completion of
Assigned Tasks:
Week 1 : Research and collect data on the history
and evolution

Week 2 : Conduct a survey

Week 3 : Analyze the data collected

Week 4 : develop the project report

week 5 : complete and finalize project report

TOPIC HEADING

Importance of mother tongue

SUB TOPICS
Introduction

ROLE of mother tongue

Communication

Identity from mother tongue

CONSEQUENCE of mother tongue

Cases studies

Conclusion

Question on importance of mother tongue

Introduction:
The Importance of Mother Tongue

The mother tongue is the first language we learn from birth, a

vital part of our identity and heritage. It serves as a bridge

connecting individuals to their culture, traditions, and values.

More than just a tool for communication, the mother tongue

shapes our thinking, influences our perception of the world, and

lays the foundation for our emotional and intellectual growth. In a

world becoming increasingly globalized, where dominant

languages often overshadow native ones.

Not only does the mother tongue foster personal and cultural

identity, but it also plays a significant role in education, cognitive

development, and emotional bonding. As the language in which

we first learn to express ourselves, it becomes a cornerstone for

acquiring knowledge and understanding complex ideas.

Recognizing and respecting the importance of mother tongues

can lead to a more inclusive, diverse, and connected world while

safeguarding the unique stories and wisdom that each language

carries.
 ROLE OF MOTHER TONGUE

The mother tongue plays a critical role in cognitive development,

especially during a child's formative years. Here’s how:

1. Foundation for Thinking and Learning:

The mother tongue is the first language a child uses to interact

with the world. It shapes how they think, process information, and

make sense of their surroundings.

2. Language and Brain Development:

Learning in the mother tongue activates neural pathways

associated with language, memory, and critical thinking.

Familiarity with the native language reduces cognitive load,

allowing the brain to focus more on understanding and applying

new information rather than deciphering unfamiliar words.

3. Enhancing Academic Skills:

Studies show that children taught in their mother tongue during

early education perform better in reading, writing, and math

because they understand concepts in a language they are

comfortable with.

4. Boosting Creativity and Expression:

The mother tongue allows individuals to express their thoughts

and emotions more freely, fostering creativity and innovation.

communication

Communication in one's mother tongue is important for many

reasons, including:

[] Effective communication: It allows people to express their

thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.

[] Building relationships: It helps people connect with their family,

friends, and community.

[] Academic performance: It can help children perform better

academically in the long run.

[] Job market: It can give people a competitive edge in the job

market.
 Identity of mother tongue

A person's mother tongue is significantly important to their

identity because it acts as a direct link to their cultural heritage,

traditions, values, and history, allowing them to feel a deep sense

of belonging and connection to their community, thus shaping a

key part of their self-perception and personal identity; essentially,

speaking your mother tongue helps you understand and express

who you are at your core.

 CONSEQUENCE OF MOTHER TONGUE

Positive consequences of emphasizing the mother tongue:

1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage:

Maintains traditional practices, beliefs, and values unique to a

community.

Strengthens cultural identity and pride in linguistic diversity.

2. Improved Academic Outcomes:

Children educated in their mother tongue often perform better

academically due to better comprehension.Boosts confidence,

encouraging active participation in learning.

3. Social Cohesion:

Strengthens bonds within families and communities through

shared language and traditions.

Promotes inclusivity by respecting linguistic diversity.

Negative Consequences of Undermining the Mother Tongue

1. Loss of Cultural Identity:

Neglecting native languages can lead to the erosion of cultural

traditions and heritage.

Communities risk becoming disconnected from their roots.

2. Endangered Languages:

Languages not prioritized face extinction, leading to a significant

loss of global linguistic diversity.

Unique knowledge encoded in these languages, such as

indigenous wisdom, may be lost forever.

3. Cognitive and Educational Challenges:

Learning in a non-native language can create barriers to

understanding and reduce academic performance.

Children may struggle with self-expression and confidence in a

foreign language.
4. Social and Emotional Disconnection:

Weakening the mother tongue can cause fragmentation within

families and communities.

Individuals may feel alienated from their cultural identity, leading

to low self-esteem.

5. Economic and Social Inequities:

Communities whose languages are marginalized often face

reduced access to education and opportunities.

Local economies may suffer from the lack of recognition of their

linguistic and cultural contributions.

 CASES STUDIES

UNESCO's stance:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO) strongly advocates for mother tongue

based education, considering it essential for inclusive and quality

learning.

Early Childhood Education:

The benefits of mother tongue education are particularly

significant in early childhood development.

Challenges in Implementation:

In diverse societies, implementing mother tongue education can

present challenges related to teacher availability and curriculum

development.
 Conclusion

The mother tongue is not just a mode of communication but a

cornerstone of identity, intellect, and culture. Preserving and

promoting its use ensures that linguistic diversity and cultural

heritage remain vibrant while empowering individuals to thrive

intellectually and socially.

Question on importance of mother tongue

1. Why is the mother tongue considered crucial for cultural

preservation?

2. How does learning in one's mother tongue impact academic

performance?

3. What role does the mother tongue play in cognitive

development?

4. How can societies prevent the extinction of endangered native

languages?

5. In what ways does the mother tongue strengthen family and

community bonds?
6. Should global languages like English take priority over mother

tongues in education systems? Why or why not?

7. How can technology be used to promote and preserve mother

tongues?

8. Is it possible to balance mother tongue instruction with

multilingual education? How?

9. What are the social and economic consequences of neglecting

mother tongues?

10. How does the loss of a mother tongue affect an individual's

identity and sense of belonging?

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

[] Chat gpt

[] Google

[] Friends

[] Subject book [vistas]