Chapter 3: Multilingualism and the Role of English

Multilingualism in NEP 2020            
The policy emphasizes native language instruction up to foundational stages, promoting cognitive and cultural development.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 places a strong emphasis on multilingualism as a central pillar of India’s educational reform. One of its most notable recommendations is the use of the native language or regional language as the medium of instruction at least until Grade 5, and preferably up to Grade 8 and beyond. This approach is grounded in extensive research that shows children learn best in a language they are most familiar with during their formative years.

Cognitive Development

Learning in the native language enhances comprehension and critical thinking, as students can grasp concepts without the added burden of language translation. This cognitive advantage allows them to build a solid foundation in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving before transitioning to other languages.

Cultural Development

NEP 2020 views language not just as a communication tool but also as a carrier of cultural heritage. By prioritizing local languages, the policy aims to preserve India’s diverse linguistic traditions, stories, and indigenous knowledge systems. This instils a sense of pride and identity in students, fostering cultural rootedness while preparing them for global citizenship.

Multilingual Proficiency

While promoting native language instruction, NEP 2020 also supports the three-language formula, encouraging proficiency in Hindi, English, and one regional language. This multilingual exposure is expected to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and open opportunities in higher education, research, and international collaboration.