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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