Philosophy of Mother Tongue

KFS believes that one’s mother tongue is a fundamental aspect of identity, culture, and expression and that all languages and cultures should be valued and supported. Research suggests that the preservation, pride, and development of one’s mother tongue has benefits both culturally as well as linguistically. This indicates that language development is not merely dependant on culture, but that the two are inextricably interdependent upon one another.

Developing one’s mother tongue in addition to learning a second language preserves cultural identity, promotes self-esteem, and contributes to additive bilingualism (Learning).   At KFS, we work to value, encourage and support mother tongue development in order to promote second language learning as well as cultivate diversity and rich cultural expression.  Language advocate Suzanne Talhouk describes the importance of mother tongue in second language learning, saying, “mastery of other languages demands mastery of the mother tongue. Mastery of the mother tongue is a prerequisite for creative expression in other languages.” Through this belief and approach to language learning, one’s mother tongue acts as a catalyst for second language learning, where students become more successful in learning a second language. This approach reaffirms student identity, allowing them the freedom to grow and succeed as internationally-minded global citizens.

References:

Talhouk, Suzanne. “Don’t Kill Your Language.” TEDx, Dec. 2012, https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_talhouk_don_t_kill_your_language/transcript.

Learning in a Language Other than Mother Tongue in IB Programmes. International Baccalaureate Organization, 2008, https://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/MYP/m_0_mypxx_guu_1609_1/IBdocs/g_0_learn_amo_0804_1_e.pdf.