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the Philippines, spoken by known authors like Jim Cummins, Jessica Ball, Carol Benson and Kimmo
Kosonen. Below, an article from Jakarta Post written by a UNESCO officer during the International Mother
Language Day, is one example. We were the first country that issued several laws that prescribe the use
of all our mother tongues in basic education and provided a corresponding implementation support in the
form of teachers training and materials development. Most countries would recognize only selected
languages. Others have a law that allows the use of mother tongue (especially for indigenous groups) but
with no strong implementation support. Ours does not exclude any and the government, along with local
government units and various NGOs, have been allocating resources. After we issued DepEd Order 74
s.2009 (Institutionalizing MLE) and later RA 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education with strong MTBMLE
provision), Timor Leste, Cambodia and Zambia followed suit. We hope that many more would join us in
improving learning thru MTBMLE and in recognizing the languages of our ethnolinguistics groups. Our
present MTBMLE implementation is not without any problem. It is actually sailing through rough waters.
The commodification of languages (seeing some as more valuable as they provide better jobs), the myth
of a "globally competitive Filipino," and the challenge of handling many languages in a classroom are
among the major obstacles. Such are real concerns that can be addressed through research and
dialogical processes. MTBMLE is a major education reform initiative to improve access and education
outcome and recognize diversity in schools. We cannot just give up and revert to our old ways.
Ched Arzadon
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When language barriers are combined with other marginalizing factors such as gender, ethnicity, disability
and geographical remoteness, the chances of children entering and completing basic education become
very low. According to a recent UNESCO-UIS report, children from marginalized groups in Bolivia,
Ecuador, India and Lao PDR, for example, are two to three times more likely to be out of school.
Looking back on my own experience, I realise that the most crucial factor in successfully transitioning
from one language and one education system to another was the grounding I had in my mother
tongue. During my six years of primary education, I developed a strong understanding of concrete and
abstract ideas, learning vocabulary and concepts that were transferable to my second language. Without
this foundation, it would have been extremely difficult for me to become functionally bilingual and continue
my education.
Research has increasingly shown that teaching in a mother tongue early on in school is effective in
reducing dropout rates and makes education more engaging for marginalized groups. Children who
benefit from mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB MLE) also perform better in their second
language. Unfortunately these benefits elude many ethnolinguistic minority children who do not have such
opportunities.
When I was studying in my mother tongue, my parents took a more active role in my learning than they
were able to after we emigrated. This parental engagement is important for childrens intellectual and
social development and is a good indicator of student survival rates. Parents of ethnolinguistic minority
students are often unable to provide this support.
MTB-MLE programs also bridge the gap between the culture at home and that at school and mainstream
society. They not only improve learning, they also broaden outlooks, increase tolerance and foster a
respect for cultural diversity. These programs are one of the most effective ways through which we can
promote a culture of peace and build equitable and inclusive societies.
Multilingual education initially costs more than monolingual education; however, the long-term benefits far
outweigh the initial investment, provided there is adequate funding allocated toward promoting the use of
mother tongues, the development of multilingual teaching-materials and teacher training. Monolingual
education is not sustainable in multilingual nations, and thus MTB-MLE programs are likely to result in
considerable savings over the long term, while also tapping the previously untouched potential of millions
of ethnolinguistic minority students.
It has been my privilege to be involved in the MLE movement in Southeast Asia, which has been among
the most dynamic in the world over the past decade. Cambodia and the Philippines are among the
countries in this region that have shown increased government support and commitment to language
education policy that ensures the language of instruction reflects the way in which children learn and
teachers teach.
Successes such as these are turning what were once alien worlds for children into welcoming ones,
benefiting these young learners and their societies as a result.
The writer is the project officer for multilingual education at UNESCO Bangkok and the coordinator of the
Asia Multilingual Education Working Group, a consortium of UN agencies, inter-governmental
organizations, academics advocating on behalf of ethnolinguistic communities through multilingual
education initiatives and related policy advocacy throughout Asia-Pacific.
------------------------------------
One of our staunch MLE advocates, Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili (NAKEM International and
170+ Talaytayan MLE) posted an article in a local newspaper during the celebration
of International Mother Language Day.
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2.16.2015