Mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTBMLE) is an approach to education that emphasizes the use of the students' first language, or mother tongue, as the primary language of instruction in the early years of schooling. This approach is based on the idea that students learn best when they are taught in their first language and that it is important to preserve and promote linguistic diversity. While MTBMLE has many potential benefits, there are also some disadvantages that should be considered.
One disadvantage of MTBMLE is that it can be difficult to implement in practice. In many countries, there are a wide variety of languages spoken, which can make it challenging to find teachers who are fluent in all of the different languages. This can lead to a lack of qualified teachers, which can negatively impact the quality of education that students receive. In addition, MTBMLE requires resources such as textbooks and other teaching materials to be translated into multiple languages, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Another disadvantage of MTBMLE is that it may not prepare students as well for success in a monolingual society. Many countries and institutions operate in a single language, and students who have been taught primarily in their mother tongue may struggle to communicate and succeed in these environments. This can limit their opportunities and hinder their ability to participate fully in society.
Additionally, MTBMLE may also have negative effects on the students' proficiency in the national or official language of the country. Research has shown that students who are taught in their mother tongue tend to have lower levels of proficiency in the national language, particularly in reading and writing, compared to students who are taught in the national language from the beginning. This can put them at a disadvantage when it comes to taking exams or applying for higher education or jobs.
Finally, MTBMLE can also be divisive and contribute to linguistic and cultural tensions within a community. If certain languages or groups of students receive more resources or attention than others, this can lead to feelings of inequality and resentment.
In conclusion, while MTBMLE has the potential to promote linguistic diversity and improve student learning, it also has several disadvantages that should be carefully considered. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of MTBMLE and to find ways to address these challenges in order to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.