UNESCO Releases Report Titled Languages Matter

 UNESCO Releases Report Titled Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education

UNESCO has released a report titled Languages Matter: Global Guidance on Multilingual Education, marking the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day (February 21). This report celebrates a quarter-century of efforts to preserve and promote the use of mother tongues.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Nearly 40% of the global population lacks access to education in a language they speak or understand.
• In certain low and middle-income countries, this percentage reaches up to 90%.
• India ranks fourth among the top ten countries with the most spoken languages.

About Multilingual Education:

• UNESCO defines multilingual education (MLE) as the use of at least three languages: the mother tongue, a regional or national language, and an international language in the education system.
• India’s New Education Policy (NEP), 2020, also advocates for a three-language formula.
• UNESCO’s World Atlas of Languages estimates that there are 8,324 languages, both spoken and signed, globally.

Key Challenges in Multilingual Education:

• Resource Constraints: Lack of adequately trained teachers and a shortage of multilingual learning and teaching materials.
• Policy Opposition: Resistance from those who prioritize national or international languages over local languages.
• Other Factors: Historical issues, often rooted in colonialism, also contribute to challenges.

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