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The Three-Language Formula: A Student Perspective
Context:
The three-language formula has been a contentious issue in India’s education policy, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The debate often overlooks the most critical stakeholder: the student, especially those studying in public (government) schools.
The Impact on Public School Students
- Public school students form around 55% of total school enrolment in Tamil Nadu.
- Unlike private school students, they lack access to supplemental learning such as coaching and tuition.
- A crucial question arises: Is learning a third language essential for public school students to compete in the job market?
- If not implemented strategically, the policy could create an additional burden rather than an advantage.
Challenges in the Three-Language Formula
- Questionable Academic Rationale
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- The NEP argues that learning three languages improves cognitive ability, yet research suggests that a strong foundation in the mother tongue is more beneficial before introducing additional languages.
- Language proficiency is important, but with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and translation technologies, the role of multilingualism in knowledge acquisition is diminishing.
- Proficiency in English is often more critical for employment and higher education than knowledge of a third language.
- Deteriorating Quality of Primary Education
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- ASER Survey 2024 highlighted that 88% of Class 3 students in Tamil Nadu lack basic literacy skills.
- Even top-scoring students in English-medium public schools struggle in higher education due to inadequate English instruction.
- The focus should be on improving foundational literacy rather than introducing an additional language burden.
- Limited Teaching Resources and Infrastructure
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- Public schools already face a shortage of competent teachers, especially for subjects like English and Mathematics.
- Recruiting qualified teachers for a third language would further strain financial and human resources.
- Tamil Nadu, despite having a high per-child education budget, spends 80-90% of its budget on teacher salaries, leaving little for infrastructure improvements.
- Language and National Integration
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- Language is a cultural anchor, but national unity cannot be achieved solely through language imposition.
- Real integration requires fostering mutual respect, cultural awareness, and historical understanding.
- Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the three-language formula stems from political opposition to Hindi imposition, but it also highlights concerns over English proficiency.
- Historical precedent: Tamil-speaking individuals adapt to new languages when required, e.g., Tamil soldiers in the Indian Army learning Hindi, and Tamil traders in Maharashtra speaking Marathi.
- Employment and Competitive Edge
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- So long as English remains an official language in competitive exams and government services, Tamil Nadu’s students can compete nationally.
- If Hindi gradually replaces English at the national level, Tamil Nadu may need to reassess its language policies to ensure its students remain competitive.
- Strengthening English proficiency would be more beneficial for global and national employment than enforcing a third language.
Advantage of Three Language Formula
- Cognitive and Skill Development
- Multilingualism enhances memory, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility.
- It improves adaptability and critical thinking.
- Expanded Employment Prospects
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- Knowledge of Hindi or a foreign language increases job opportunities in government, private sectors, tourism, and international business.
- Higher Education Mobility
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- Many universities and exams require proficiency in multiple languages.
- Hindi or widely spoken regional languages enable access to institutions across states.
- Social and Cultural Integration
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- Learning multiple languages fosters cultural awareness and national unity.
- Public school students gain exposure to diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.
- Future-Proofing Policy Changes
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- If Hindi or regional languages gain prominence in government exams, students already proficient in them will have an advantage.
- Reducing dependence on English prepares students for policy shifts.
- Enhanced Communication and Confidence
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- Multilingual skills help in diverse social and professional settings.
- Adaptability in communication is essential in a globalised world.
- Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
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- Private school students have better language exposure.
- A structured three-language formula can create equal opportunities for public school students.
- Quality language education in government schools can reduce career disparities.
Way Forward: A Balanced Approach
- Voluntary Third Language Learning
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- Hindi (or another third language) should be an optional subject rather than a compulsory requirement.
- Introduce the third language from middle school onwards, starting with district headquarters and expanding based on demand.
- Ensure flexibility in choosing languages to accommodate diverse student needs.
- Prioritising English Proficiency
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- Strengthening English language instruction to enhance higher education and job market competitiveness.
- Invest in teacher training, digital learning tools, and smart classrooms to improve English education quality.
- Improving Primary Education Quality
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- Focus on basic literacy and numeracy at the primary level before adding additional languages.
- Allocate more funds towards school infrastructure and teacher training rather than hiring third-language instructors.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
