Mother Language Day

The International Mother Language Day being celebrated today is observed to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage people to maintain knowledge of their mother language. In Pakistan, however, the situation is quite complicated when it comes to using our mother tongue as the medium of instruction. In February 2014, the Punjab government reversed its 2009 decision that had directed English to be the medium of instruction in public schools from grade 1. It now requires public schools to switch to English as the medium of instruction from grade 3.
The Sindh Education Sector Plan (2013-16) also recommends preparation of a comprehensive plan to implement the English language policy and to develop strategies to use English as the medium of instruction for science subjects from grade 4 onwards. However, it is advisable to use the first language or the proximate language as the medium of instruction in the first three grades. Moreover, textbooks should be written keeping in mind the curriculum standards and developmental needs of learners. Also, English needs to be taught at the primary level as a subject from grade 1, or later, depending on the availability of competent teachers and not as the medium of instruction.
Amina Sarwar
Islamabad