Minority language A language other than the dominant language ( s ) in a given society . In some places , a majority language ( for example , Punjabi in Pakistan ) may be referred to as a “ minority language ” in spite of the fact that is it the largest language spoken in the country . ( Also see Non-dominant language .)
Monolingual The ability to speak and understand only one language . Mother tongue
Mother tonguebased multilingual education ( MTB MLE )
First language or home language ; the first language a child uses for communication in the home . MT and L1 are often used interchangeably . In some societies , children learn their father ’ s first . Nevertheless , those languages are also referred to as “ mother tongues .”
An education programme for children who do not understand or speak the official school language when they begin school . MTB MLE students learn to read and write first in their mother tongue . They use their MT for learning as they learn to understand , speak , read and write the official school language ( and additional languages according to the curriculum ). They use both their MT and the official language for learning in later grades . The goal of strong MTB MLE programmes is that students will become fully bilingual , biliterate and bicultural and achieve a quality education .
MTB MLE RESOURCE KIT Including the Excluded : Promoting Multilingual Education
MTB MLE-specific curriculum
Curriculum developed specifically for children who do not understand or speak the official school language when they begin school . MTB MLE curriculum is based on mainstream curriculum but adapted to meet the specific learning needs of MTB MLE students . Two major features are that 1 ) the students ’ MT is taught as a subject and used as one of the languages of instruction to the end of primary school ; and 2 ) students ’ knowledge and experience , gained from their home and community , are recognized as important tools for further learning .
Multilingual The ability to understand and speak two or more languages .
Multilingual education ( MLE )
Multilingualism and multiculturalism
The use of two or more languages in the educational system . Often used interchangeably with MTB MLE . However , a programme that uses two or more languages but not the mother tongue of the students is “ MLE ” but it is not “ MTB MLE ”.
Terms used primarily in multilingual contexts in which linguistic and cultural diversity are recognized as a valuable resource .
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