Mother tongue: A cornerstone of childhood development

“Language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a key element in shaping a child's identity and cognitive abilities," said Dr Elena Bialystok, a renowned researcher in bilingualism and cognitive development.

Her sentiment underscores the vital role of children being raised in their native or primary home language, setting the stage for their future growth and success.

It is extremely important for children to be nurtured and taught in their mother tongue, as it plays a crucial role in preserving their culture and identity within their respective societies.



Cognitive enrichment

Research has shown that "children who are proficient in their native language demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and critical thinking."

“A child who understands their language is a child that can perform well,” a Namibian teacher, Louisa Hansen, added.

This proficiency serves as a cognitive scaffold, facilitating learning and cognitive flexibility in various domains.

Studies have shown that in education, pupils perform better when the language of instruction is familiar to them because it improves the quantity and quality of information transmission.

“Language, any language, plays a significant role in all human communication, but the ability to communicate fluently enables people to negotiate in all spheres of their lives," a paper titled 'Namibian multilingualism and sustainable development' by Agnes Simataa and Evans Simataa in the Journal of the University of Namibia Language Centre stated.

In summary, using a familiar language of instruction in education not only enhances academic performance and cognitive development but also promotes cultural pride and inclusivity.

It is a critical factor in creating an educational environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. This approach is particularly relevant in multilingual societies like Namibia, where diversity in languages is a significant aspect of the educational landscape.



Social confidence and connection

Dr Erika Hoff, in a 2006 paper titled 'How social contexts support and shape language development', wrote that "language fluency in the native tongue fosters confidence in social interactions, enabling children to build meaningful relationships with peers and family members."

The upbringing of young children in their native language is a cornerstone of their holistic development. According to Hoff, "language is the bridge that connects cognitive, social and emotional domains, shaping the trajectory of a child's future."

Supporting proficiency in primary home languages not only empowers children but also enriches societies with diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives. Fluency in primary home languages can also bridge the gap between older and younger generations.

Similarly, children may sometimes struggle to communicate confidently with their peers or family members due to differences in language preference. For example, a child growing up in northern Namibia might predominantly speak Oshiwambo in their community, while another child, perhaps a close relative from a similar cultural background, is raised in Windhoek with English as the predominant language used in their environment.

These differences do not suggest that one language is superior to another, but rather highlight the importance of building connections through language.



Academic excellence

According to the authors of 'Dual Language Development and Disorders: A Handbook on Bilingualism and Second Language Learning', "proficiency in the native language is positively correlated with academic achievement."

Children who receive early education in their mother tongue not only excel academically but also develop strong language skills that benefit their overall learning journey.

Moreover, Dr Jim Cummins from the University of Toronto, in a 2008 publication, highlighted that "the preservation of cultural heritage is intricately linked to native language proficiency." Children raised in environments that nurture their first language develop a deeper sense of cultural identity, fostering diversity and inclusivity.

In addition, bilingualism offers cognitive advantages. As Bialystok wrote in 2017, "bilingual individuals often exhibit enhanced executive functioning skills such as cognitive flexibility and selective attention." This cognitive reserve contributes to lifelong learning and adaptability.