Importance of mother tongue in education

The importance of education is immense. The need for a better education system based on the mother tongue is undeniable in building a sustainable and prosperous nation. Language is a powerful vehicle for communication. Among the countless languages of the world, the mother tongue carries special significance in individual and collective identity. Mother tongue is often deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of an individual. Language is a powerful carrier of culture and cultural heritage, folklore and socio-family values from generation to generation. Expressing language, words, symbols, and expressions is much more than a means of communication. Language is a cornerstone of self and national identity, the backbone of culture and social values and one of the carriers of cultural heritage preservation. When properly conceived and nurtured, a language becomes a bridge of connection with the past and present of any society and community, a means of connecting a nation with its historical roots. In addition, when this language is the exclusive medium of instruction in a nation's educational system, it is much simpler for any civilisation or nation to advance and flourish. Acquire the skills necessary to function in society, cultivate character, and become self-sufficient.

Every time we think about language, our minds are flooded with the day of the language movement (known as Ekush), which is immortal. When February 21 came, Bengali cried in pain. The Bengali language movement of 1952 later shaped Bangladesh's cultural and educational movement. The struggle for linguistic rights saved the Bengali language and encouraged a cultural renaissance. The Bengali language movement in 1952 was initially born from the struggle for linguistic rights. This day will undoubtedly be marked as a milestone in Bengali history for ages. This important event has profoundly affected the moral structure of the nation. A variety of events around Bangladesh mark this day. The Ekushe Book Fair is held on the grounds of the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan, and it is crowded with thousands of Bengalis. What a wonderful atmosphere—laughter, tears, joy, and anguish. We remember with respect the young people of Bengal who gave their lives for our right to speak. Because of their sacrifice, we were allowed to attend Prabhat Feri barefoot on February 21. The joy of speaking my native speech.

February Twenty-one is our national pride. Tilak of self-identification. Motivation to live. Freedom to speak one's mother tongue. And when the nation's educational system is conducted on the model of the mother tongue, it becomes an integral part of our own culture. The importance of the mother tongue in developing a quality moral education system is undeniable. Education is the foundation of personal and social development. The role of the mother tongue in shaping the quality of education and moral dimension is profound. Mother tongue is spoken at home and deeply rooted in cultural identity. A primary reason for emphasising the mother tongue in education is its role in preserving cultural identity. Language is the carrier of culture, and the mother tongue embodies the unique traditions and values of the society and the community. Cultural beauty and moral foundations are seamlessly integrated into the learning process of education in the mother tongue. Quality education depends on effective communication and understanding. Mother tongue, the home language and immediate language of the social group creates an accessible and conducive environment for students to learn. Ease of learning and imparting education in the mother tongue is maintained. There is no substitute for applying the mother tongue for a deeper understanding of content and moral values. Education in the mother tongue enhances cognitive development and critical thinking skills. When students are taught in their language, students find it easier to analyse, question and evaluate information. Students can explore moral dilemmas, values and principles more profoundly and clearly in a mother tongue-based education system. Emotional connection with one's language creates a favourable environment for developing moral values. Moreover, using the mother tongue in education promotes inclusion and accessibility. Therefore, the importance of the mother tongue in developing quality and moral education cannot be overstated. It acts as a vehicle for cultural preservation, effective communication, cognitive development, emotional connection and inclusion.

The people of Bengal are aware of the language movement. The movement gained momentum on February 21, 1952, when students and activists took to the streets of Dhaka, the capital of East Pakistan, to protest against the imposition of Urdu. The protesters demanded recognition of Bengali as one of the official languages of Pakistan. The protest took a turn when the police opened fire on the peaceful protesters. This results in loss of life. In the history of the world, cases of loss of life due to language movement are rare. Therefore, the language movement is the tilak of self-identity of the people of Bengal. The pride of the people of fifty-six thousand square miles. This movement laid the foundation of the cultural renaissance of East Bengal. The mother tongue movement crossed religious, social and economic boundaries and united people from all walks of life. During the language movement, Bengalis displayed a high collective consciousness, serving as a moral light and emphasising the value of solidarity and unity. We may have religious and cultural differences, but in national crises, all citizens are united, and such societal principles inspire moral teaching. The language movement was based on linguistic equality, emphasising the necessity of recognising and conserving diverse cultural traditions and languages. Moral education is based on a social philosophy that values cultural variety and respect.

As an independent and proud nation, it is incumbent upon us to incorporate the enduring impact of the language movement and its foundational tenets into the curriculum while simultaneously developing an educational framework that encourages the advancement and prosperity of the nation through the cultivation of moral citizens. To achieve this goal, the government of Bangladesh should take the initiative to ensure the establishment of this educational system. Through moral education programs, learners should be instilled with ideas derived from freedom movements, such as the language movement, which merged its sociopolitical and economic values. These programs should teach learners characteristics like sacrifice, solidarity, fortitude, and cultural sensitivity. By incorporating these ethical concepts into the academic curriculum, the educational system can act as a channel through which future generations are taught the moral foundations upon which the language movement is founded. Even though it originated in Bangladesh, the language movement has subsequently inspired all Bengalis, transcending the historical context in which it occurred. If it is utilised appropriately, the event's essence can serve as a substantial source of moral instruction. As a direct consequence of this campaign, every Bengali who participated felt an overwhelming sense of pride and self-identity.

Bengalis in East Pakistan put up a fight against the Central Government of Pakistan's decision to make Urdu the official language of Pakistan. As far as the renowned language and cultural heritage of Bengal were concerned, this conduct was seen to be the most considerable insult possible. The residents of the region have been inspired to come together in their efforts to preserve their unique language as a result of the beginning of the cultural resistance movement. As the language movement has proved, self-identity and culture are essential components of the collective morals and values that the Bengali people hold. By preserving and protecting their one-of-a-kind cultural legacy and their mother tongue, every Bengali recognises they have a moral obligation. Protecting one's language is not only a matter of linguistic diversity but also a moral responsibility in the cultural spirit of the nation. Educational institutions in Bangladesh can play a unique role in teaching students the importance of respecting different cultures, languages and traditions by incorporating the values and spirit of the language movement into the education curriculum.

Language has to be associated with national activities if the spirit of Ekush is to be upheld. We can all play a decisive role in that. However, the role of intellectuals in promoting the mother tongue in a nation is invaluable. Intellectuals are the custodians and influencers of the society. They can use their knowledge and skills to educate and influence public opinion. Because of their unique understanding of language, culture, and history, they can help preserve a nation's cultural heritage and play an instrumental role in changing how people think about their native language. Also, intellectuals can actively participate in campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of speaking one's language. Our moral responsibility is to uphold the eternal spirit of Ekush by making the mother tongue reach all levels of the nation. That is the highest respect for the martyrs. So, our education system should be developed based on the Bengali language. Bengali language should be actively involved in all educational activities.

Although this victory was an incredible milestone for the culture and tradition of Bengal, the ultimate juncture of our self-realisation, after so many years of victory, have we been able to uphold the values of Ekush in our overall education system? Digitisation has come to the shaky education system. So, there is still time to wake up again—the renaissance of language-based education. Otherwise, the souls of our fathers and grandfathers will not find peace. We will be responsible for the broken education system to the next generation. A lot of work remains to achieve linguistic equality. Not only the rest, but because of the invasion of foreign languages and our moral decline, the mother tongue is in danger today. We must continue celebrating Language Movement Day on February 21 every year to honour those who lost their lives during this historical event so that its legacy lives on forever. However, the spirit of the 21st should not end only with crocodile crying. Bangla language should promote unity and solidarity among citizens in all areas of national activities in Bangladesh. We call on all educational institutions, including government officials and private institutions, to take steps to include the Bengali language as one of the most important aspects of progress in the country's development plan. To maintain the spirit of 21st century, a far-reaching plan to implement the mother tongue at all levels is needed now without delay.