Using regional languages to teach general and cultural awareness courses

Authors

Dr. T. Kranthi
Phanindra Bharadwaja

Synopsis

Using the mother tongue (native language) in teaching specific courses like gender sensitization, Universal Human Values and Essence of Indian Traditional Knowledge It allows a more open dialogue that can effectively foster the thinking abilities of the undergraduate learners. This paper discusses the significance of using mother tongue during the process of discussing for specific subjects

Firstly, while teaching sensitive subjects like Gender Sensitisation, using mother tongue to make the students understand gender issues can be a powerful pedagogical tool that fosters deeper understanding, emotional connection, and cultural relevance and critical thinking. It allows educators to deconstruct complex societal norms—such as patriarchy, gender roles, and stereotypes.

Next, using the mother tongue to teach topics of general awareness like Universal Human Values (UHV) can be quite effective. While often overshadowed by English-medium instruction, the use of native language enhances critical thinking and allows learners to connect deeply with ethics and Values

The next point is about using the mother tongue or regional languages (Bharatiya Bhashas) to teach Indian Traditional Knowledge (ITK) and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) is a cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This approach bridges the gap between traditional wisdom and modern education, allowing students to comprehend complex philosophical, scientific, and cultural concepts more effectively with the medium of mother tongue.

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Published

July 15, 2026

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.