Role of NEP 2020 in Promoting Multilingualism and Regional Languages

Parul Jain 
Scholer MEd First Year

Dr Pratima Mishra 
Associate Professor 
H.G.M. Azam College of Education 
Dr P A Inamdar University, Pune, Maharashtra, India


Introduction

Language is not just a medium of communication—it is the soul of culture, identity, and learning. In a multilingual country like India, where hundreds of languages are spoken across regions, education policies play a vital role in preserving linguistic diversity while promoting inclusivity. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought a renewed focus on multilingualism and regional languages in education, aiming to strengthen cultural roots and enhance learning outcomes.

Multilingualism in NEP 2020


One of the most significant features of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on the three-language formula with flexibility. The policy encourages students to learn at least three languages, ensuring that two of them are native to India. This approach not only strengthens regional identity but also builds cognitive and social skills.



Mother Tongue as Medium of Instruction (up to Grade 5): NEP 2020 recommends teaching in the child’s mother tongue or regional language in the foundational years, making learning more natural and effective.

Respect for Diversity: The policy recognizes India’s linguistic richness and encourages schools to adopt regional languages to promote inclusivity.

Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide: Using local languages ensures that children from rural areas are not disadvantaged in early education.

 

 Benefits of Promoting Regional Languages

 

1. Better Understanding and Learning Outcomes

Research shows that children learn concepts faster in their mother tongue, which improves comprehension and academic performance.

 

2. Cultural Preservation

Regional languages carry traditional knowledge, values, and identity. Promoting them helps preserve India’s cultural heritage.

 

3. Inclusivity and Equity

Using mother tongue or regional languages in schools ensures that children from diverse backgrounds feel included and confident in their learning journey.

 

4. Enhanced Cognitive Development

Multilingualism improves memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills—preparing students for global opportunities

 

Challenges in Implementation

 

While NEP 2020’s vision is inspiring, implementation faces challenges:

 

1.      Lack of adequate teaching materials in regional languages.

 

2.      Shortage of trained teachers fluent in local languages.

 

3.      Balancing global needs (English proficiency) with regional pride.

 

4.      Resistance from some parents who prioritize English-medium education for career opportunities.

 

Steps for successful multilingualization

 

For the successful implementation of NEP 2020’s multilingual vision, the following steps are crucial:

 

1.      Development of high-quality textbooks and digital content in regional languages.

2.      Training teachers in multilingual pedagogy.

3.      Creating awareness among parents about the benefits of early education in mother tongue.

4.      Promoting multilingual classrooms where regional and global languages complement each other.

 

Conclusion

 

The NEP 2020 acknowledges India’s unique linguistic diversity and promotes multilingualism as a tool for inclusive, equitable, and quality education. By emphasizing regional languages in early education while also encouraging proficiency in global languages, the policy aims to create a generation of learners who are deeply rooted in their culture yet prepared for the global stage.

 

Language, after all, is not a barrier—it is a bridge that connects our past, present, and future.

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