Exploring the Role of Mother Tongue in Mathematics Education: Benefits and Challenges of Language Localization

Source abstract

Language plays a crucial role in communication and understanding within the classroom, where learning is predominantly facilitated through language. Both teachers and students rely on spoken and written language to engage in various tasks, demonstrate knowledge and skills, and foster relationships, all of which contribute to the educational environment (Amerstorfer & von Münster-Kistner, 2021). However, for some individuals, particularly those who speak a cultural and demographic language different from the dominant language, language can become a burden and a barrier. This is especially true in countries where English, as a medium of instruction, is used without regard to the child's native language (Garcia, 2019). Consequently, it is essential for schools to integrate and teach the curriculum in a language that children can understand, allowing them to connect learning experiences at both home and school through their mother tongue.