English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Filipino
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Myanmar (Burmese)
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Language and opportunities
Researchers believe that two-thirds of the world's children grow up in a context where more than one language is spoken. Multilingualism is not a problem, but a reality that can be a resource. Sadly, however, when many children start school they are forced to abandon their first language and try, often unsuccessfully, to learn in a language they barely understand.Language is the key to communication. It can provide bridges to new opportunities, or build barriers to equality.
It connects, and disconnects. It creates unity, and can cause conflict. Language is many things, but it is rarely simple.
MTB-MLE: helping to redress the balance
As progress continues towards many development goals, it is becoming increasingly clear that some groups are being left behind. In many cases these groups are isolated, sometimes physically but more often socially and politically because of the languages they speak. MTB-MLE aims to address this challenge, providing quality education for all, and through this, engaging all sections of the community in their own development.
What is Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)?
MTB-MLE is about so much more than just changing the language in the textbook, the test, or that the teacher uses in the classroom. It's about re-envisioning learning so that it centres on the critical thinking and wider social skills needed in a rapidly changing world. And it's about challenging power dynamics in the learning environment so that students can direct their own learning in ways that are meaningful to them. MTB-MLE requires the use of the mother tongue as a language of instruction in the classroom, however, it is not about restricting access to national and international languages. Rather, MTB-MLE is about properly preparing children to learn these languages well. Starting in the language they know best allows children to build a strong foundation, which then enables them to make an effective transition into other national or international languages in due course.
