UNESCO’s "Languages Matter" Report: Key Lessons for India

Imagine sitting in a classroom where the teacher speaks a language you barely understand. The words flow, the lessons continue, but you feel lost. This is the reality for 40% of the global population, as highlighted in UNESCO’s latest report, “Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education.” In some low and middle-income countries, this figure reaches a staggering 90%! India, with its vast linguistic diversity, faces similar challenges, but also has unique opportunities to address them.

India’s Linguistic Landscape

India is home to over 19,500 languages and dialects, yet most formal education is conducted in just a handful of dominant languages. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 promotes multilingual education, emphasizing the importance of the mother tongue in early learning. However, resistance from states, a shortage of trained teachers, and a lack of learning materials in regional languages pose hurdles.

The Impact of Language on Learning

According to UNESCO’s report, children who learn in a language they do not speak at home struggle significantly more in school. Over a decade (2010-2022), the learning gap in reading widened from 12 to 18 percentage points, while in mathematics, it grew from 10 to 15 percentage points. This means that students who do not understand the language of instruction are falling behind at an alarming rate.

The Three-Language Policy

To tackle this issue, India’s NEP has introduced a three-language policy:

• Mother Tongue or Regional Language in early education.
• Hindi and English as additional languages, depending on the region.
• A third language, which varies by state (e.g., Sanskrit, Tamil, or another modern Indian language).

However, this policy has sparked debates, especially in southern and northeastern states, where concerns over language imposition persist.

Why Implementation is Tough

Despite its good intentions, the NEP faces real-world obstacles:

1. Lack of Trained Teachers – Many teachers are not proficient in multiple languages.
2. Scarcity of Learning Materials – Books and resources in regional languages are limited.
3. Community Resistance – Some parents believe that learning in English or Hindi provides better career opportunities for their children.
4. Migration and Displacement – Millions of children move to urban centers where their home language is not spoken.

What India Can Do to Bridge the Gap

UNESCO suggests some key strategies that India can implement:

1. Strengthening Teacher Training

Teachers should be trained in multilingual instruction. Bilingual and multilingual teaching techniques can help bridge the gap for students struggling with language barriers.

2. Developing Multilingual Learning Materials

Schools need access to textbooks, digital resources, and storybooks in multiple languages, ensuring children learn in a language they understand.

3. Encouraging Community Involvement

Parents and local communities should be involved in language-based education planning. This ensures students feel connected to their culture while gaining access to national and global opportunities.

4. Creating Bridging Programs for Migrant Students

Cities with high migrant populations should have special language transition programs to help children adjust to new linguistic environments without falling behind.

Making Language a Strength, Not a Barrier

India stands at a crossroads. With its multilingual heritage, the country has the potential to set a global example in inclusive education. By implementing UNESCO’s recommendations and fine-tuning the NEP’s policies, India can ensure that no child is left behind due to language barriers. After all, education should empower, not exclude.