AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING MOTHER TONGUE
MOTHER TONGUE
Home language or mother tongue or native language or primary language is that which comes naturally to the speaker or user without any instruction. This is known as L1 or Level One.
A person’s mother tongue refers to the “first language” learned or spoken in early childhood within his or her family. It may also correspond to the language spoken most often at home until the age of five. This data is usually a factor in personal or family identity and, by extension, cultural identity.
ACCORDING TO UNESCO (2003)
“Mother tongue or mother language refers to a child’s first language, the language learned in the home from older family members.
ACCORDING TO OXFORD DICTIONARY
“The language which a person has grown up speaking from early childhood.”
The aims and objectives of teaching the mother tongue are as follows:
TO GIVE COMMAND OF LANGUAGE
To impart a command of language stands as the primary objective in the pedagogy of mother-tongue, aiming not only to enable students to articulate their thoughts clearly but also to empower them in effective written expression. Beyond mere communication, proficiency in the mother tongue equips learners with the ability to convey complex ideas with precision and coherence.
This multifaceted approach encompasses oral and written communication, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and clarity in both speech and writing. In essence, the teaching of the mother tongue extends beyond basic language skills, fostering an eloquence that is essential for effective self-expression and communication in various contexts.
ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE
Facilitating the acquisition of knowledge emerges as a pivotal objective in the instruction of the mother tongue. Beyond instilling the ability to read for information and pleasure, the mastery of the mother tongue serves as a gateway to broader intellectual pursuits. It not only equips students with the skills to comprehend diverse textual content but also nurtures a lifelong passion for learning through reading.
The mother tongue becomes a vessel for the exploration of various domains of knowledge, fostering a habit that extends beyond mere academic requirements. This emphasis on reading proficiency within the mother tongue is not only instrumental in academic success but also in cultivating a continuous pursuit of knowledge, thereby shaping individuals into lifelong learners.
TO BRING ABOUT MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fostering mental and emotional development stands as a paramount goal in the pedagogy of the mother tongue. Beyond serving as a means of communication for daily life, the mother tongue acts as a conduit through which pupils can articulate and navigate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This expressive dimension, encompassing both oral and written forms, provides a crucial outlet for self-discovery and emotional exploration.
By honing the ability to express oneself effectively, students not only cultivate essential communication skills but also embark on a journey of personal development. The mother tongue thus becomes a tool for enhancing cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness, contributing to the holistic growth of individuals within the realms of both the intellectual and the emotional.
TO DEVELOP CREATIVE FACULTIES.
Cultivating the creative faculties of pupils stands out as a pivotal objective in the educational pursuit of the mother tongue. Teaching the mother tongue serves not only as a linguistic endeavor but as a canvas for unleashing and channeling creative impulses. The mother tongue acts as a unique medium, allowing students to express their creativity in diverse forms and directions. Whether through imaginative storytelling, poetic endeavors, or artistic linguistic creations, the mother tongue becomes the palette through which pupils can vividly manifest their creative urges.
This emphasis on creativity within the realm of the mother tongue not only enriches linguistic skills but also fosters an environment where innovation and originality are nurtured. Consequently, the teaching of the mother tongue becomes an integral part of sculpting individuals with not just linguistic prowess but also the ability to think critically and creatively.
TO GIVE TRAINING IN LOGICAL THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION.
Providing training in logical thought and expression stands as a fundamental objective in the educational framework of the mother tongue. While the cultivation of logical thinking is a universal aim in education, the mother tongue emerges as an unparalleled instrument for imparting this essential skill. Through the intricacies of language, students not only grasp the nuances of logical reasoning but also learn to articulate their thoughts coherently.
This training extends beyond the mere mechanics of language, delving into the realm of critical thinking and problem-solving inherent in logical thought processes. The mother tongue, as a conduit for such training, allows students to engage in nuanced discussions, debates, and analyses, honing their ability to express ideas with clarity and precision. In essence, the teaching of the mother tongue becomes a cornerstone in the development of individuals with a robust foundation in logical reasoning and the expressive skills necessary for effective communication in various intellectual domains.
From another point of view, the aims of teaching mother tongue can be divided into the following four categories corresponding to the four aspects of language:
I. Receptive aspect implies enabling the pupils to understand properly spoken and written language.
II. Expressive aspect implies enabling the pupils to express their thought orally and in writing in the language which is clear, correct and effective.
III. Appreciative and Critical aspect implies enabling the pupils to appreciate the beauty of literature as well as critically assess the same.
IV. Creative aspect implies enabling the pupils to develop their imaginative and creative faculties through the study of literature and thus, creating literature themselves.
Thus, the teaching of mother tongue has diversified aims, from just learning to speak to the creation of literature and bringing about the development of various aspects of the personality of the pupils which is the aim of education.
