NEP 2020’s Three Language Formula Explained

The New Education Policy of India 2020 (NEP 2020) replaces the National Education Policy of 1968. The main aim of the NEP 2020 is to make education universal and make India a knowledge superpower.

There are many changes in the NEP 2020 from the previous National Education Policy, the main one being increasing the expenditure on education to 6% of the GDP from 3% as soon as possible.

Other changes include promoting a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, flexible board exams, use of more technology in education, promoting multilingualism and the power of language in teaching and learning, etc.

To promote multilingualism, the NEP has decided to implement the three language formula, in which all students will learn three languages in their schooling years.

What is the Three Language Formula?

The three language formula was first introduced in the National Education Policy of 1968 by the Indira Gandhi Government. The New Education Policy 2020 has also adopted the three language policy.

The three language formula states that all students in India should learn three languages, two of which should be native Indian languages (one should be a regional language), and the third one should be English. The main idea behind the three language formula was to promote the rich diversity of our country and enable students to become multilingual.

This also helps give all the students exposure to different cultures and languages and nurtures a sense of unity and national pride in them.

This is the Three Language Formula:

1. One Indian Native Language- Hindi
2. One Regional Language/Mother Tongue
3. A Modern Language- English

Advantages of Three Language Formula

With the help of the three language policy, students become more effective in their communication, and the three language policy also promotes diversity and multilingualism in India.

When students are exposed to different cultures and languages, their national integration strengthens, and their respect for linguistic diversity is enhanced. There are many more advantages of the three language formula:

1. Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Preservation: By promoting the use of first language and native languages, the three language formula helps students stay connected to their culture and heritage.
2. National Integration and Unity: When students learn common languages like Hindi and English, they can communicate better with other students from different regions. Language bridges regional gaps and helps bring everyone closer.
3. Appreciation of Cultural Diversity: As students are exposed to other cultures and languages, they learn to appreciate the rich diversity of our country and respect different cultures and traditions.
4. Multilingualism and Communication Skills: Learning more than one language increases students’ exposure, and they are able to talk and communicate with people from different backgrounds and regions. More professional and social opportunities also open up.
5. Cognitive Development and Academic Performance: Learning multiple languages promotes better brain function and development and improves cognitive skills like problem-solving and analytical thinking.
6. Global Competence and Career Opportunities: Multilingualism also helps develop cognitive and social skills among students. When a student learns three languages from an early age, he becomes capable of competing at a global level. It also gives students a chance at flourishing careers that require multiple languages, such as diplomatic services, translating jobs, tourism, etc.
7. Personal and Social Benefits: Students learning more than one language develop better interpersonal and social skills also and can nurture relationships better.

How The Three Language Formula will be Implemented in NEP 2020

The NEP 2020 provides a solid foundation for implementing the three language formula in all Indian schools. The key points from the policy are:

• Early Childhood Education: The policy insists that children from the age of 3 to 8 should learn and study in their native or regional language. By valuing the benefits of early education in learning languages, the three language policy promotes the use of multiple languages.Learn more about Early Childhood Education and NEP.
• Teachers’ Training: Teachers need to be equally well trained to impart the best knowledge to students. The NEP 2020 understands this point and encourages teachers to be trained in multiple languages and hire teachers fluent in the local language.
• Examination System: The NEP 2020 states that students should be tested for their command in all three languages, including English.
• Flexibility: The policy allows students to select a third language with flexibility. The first two languages must be native and regional, but students can choose from various options for their third language apart from English. This provision will also be helpful in non-Hindi-speaking states.
• Online Resources: The NEP 2020 promotes learning through online resources and encourages all material to be available in regional languages.

Challenges in the Implementation of the Three Language Policy

The main issue is the vastness of our country and the disparity between the North, South, East, and West. Most Indian states are formed based on language, and each state has its own native language.

The Northern Hindi-speaking states, like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were unable to promote South Indian languages, and the Southern and Eastern states, like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Tripura, did not want to teach Hindi in their schools, so they demanded autonomy for this policy issue.

Due to such linguistic differences and biases, the three language policy is difficult to implement, especially in states strongly opposing it.

Conclusion

With its many languages, India will always be an example of unity in diversity. The three language policy aims to integrate the states and people further by implementing the learning of native Indian languages.

By doing so, the students are learning multiple languages, becoming capable of facing the world, and developing their social and cognitive skills.

Even the teachers benefit as they are trained in the regional language, and various resources are available online. Even if some states feel a two language policy is better suited to them, overall, the three language policy is helping the students of our country and enriching the education sector.

Last Updated on October 3, 2024