Plenary Session IV: Bridging the Social Divide through Inclusive Education
First Language-based Multilingual Education Can Help Those Excluded by Language
Kimmo Kosonen, SIL International / Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Although most Asian nations are multilingual, their education systems use mostly the national languages. Yet, many learners do not understand the languages of education. As a result, these learners are often excluded from many learning opportunities and are generally disadvantaged in educational participation and achievement. In most countries, the challenge is greatest in minority communities speaking non-dominant languages. The situation is particularly difficult among girls and women.
Multilingual education (MLE) which is based on learners' first language can alleviate this challenge. Multilingual education means the use of several languages as the language of initial and recurrent literacy, the language of instruction and a means for lifelong learning. Research shows that learners benefit most from their education, if it starts in their first language.
This paper will introduce the challenge of the language in education in Asia and discuss ways the language issue is being tackled with multilingual education.
Download the paper (pdf, 240kb) and presentation (pdf, 1.8mb)