Mother tongue education in four Nordic countries

SUMMARY

Existing Knowledge:

1. Mother Tongue Education in Multilingual Societies: It is well-known that mother tongue education plays a crucial role in supporting students' cognitive and emotional development. In multilingual societies, educating children in their first language can lead to improved academic performance and better integration.

2. Nordic Countries’ Commitment to Multilingualism: The Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—have traditionally emphasized the importance of linguistic diversity and inclusivity. Policies often promote the right to mother tongue education, especially for immigrant and minority communities.

3. Challenges with Implementation: Despite supportive policies, implementing mother tongue education across multiple languages presents practical challenges. These include a shortage of qualified teachers, limited resources, and variations in local support for different languages.

New Insights from this Study:

1. Diverse Approaches and Attitudes: The study reveals significant differences in how each Nordic country perceives and implements mother tongue education. While Finland views it as a valuable resource, Denmark and Norway are more likely to see it as a challenge, balancing between integration goals and linguistic diversity.

2. Policy versus Practice Discrepancies: Although Nordic countries generally support mother tongue education in policy, actual practices often fall short. The study finds that students from minority language backgrounds frequently face obstacles in accessing quality mother tongue instruction, with variations in resources and teacher availability.

3. Impact on Students’ Identity and Well-being: The study highlights that when students are supported in their mother tongue, they exhibit higher self-esteem and cultural pride. Conversely, limited access to mother tongue education can affect their sense of identity and integration into the broader society.

Putting Research into Practice:

1. Standardizing Support Across Regions: Nordic countries could work towards standardizing the support provided for mother tongue education, ensuring that resources and qualified teachers are available regardless of the region. This would help bridge the gap between policy and practice.

2. Enhancing Teacher Training Programs: Expanding teacher training programs focused on mother tongue education can address the shortage of qualified educators. Providing incentives for teachers to specialize in minority languages can help build a more robust system.

3. Promoting Community Involvement: Collaborating with local communities can improve access to mother tongue education. Community involvement in curriculum development and the integration of cultural content can make mother tongue programs more relevant and supportive of students’ identity and well-being.

REFERENCE:

Article Title: Mother tongue education in four Nordic countries – problem, right or resource?

Authors: Jenni Alisaari and Colleagues

Journal: Journal of Applied Language Studies Year: 2023