Balancing globalization and linguistic heritage involves preserving mother tongues through inclusive education that values cultural identity and language diversity

Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 3 Number 2 (Jul 2025), p. 179-196 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS Balancing globalization and linguistic heritage involves preserving mother tongues through inclusive education that values cultural identity and language diversity I Made Sumartana1, Putu Dyah Hudiananingsih2, Abdur Rouf3 Politeknik Negeri Bali, INDONESIA1,2 Jagannath University, BANGLADESH3 1Email: Abstract - In the era of educational globalization, the preservation of mother tongues has become a critical concern for educators, linguists, and policymakers. The dominance of global languages such as English in educational curricula and academic discourse often leads to the marginalization of indigenous and minority languages. This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with preserving mother tongues within globalized educational frameworks. It seeks to highlight the implications of language loss on cultural identity, intergenerational communication, and linguistic diversity. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method, utilizing literature review, case studies, and interviews with educators and language activists from multilingual communities. The analysis reveals that while globalization facilitates access to international knowledge and collaboration, it also pressures educational institutions to prioritize global languages, often at the expense of local linguistic heritage. Case studies from regions such as Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America demonstrate how communities are attempting to integrate mother tongues into formal education through bilingual or multilingual education models. Interviews indicate that successful preservation efforts often depend on community involvement, governmental support, and curriculum integration that values both global and local knowledge systems. The study concludes that preserving mother tongues in education is not only a matter of linguistic justice but also of cultural sustainability. It emphasizes the need for inclusive language policies that balance global communication demands with the rights of communities to maintain their linguistic identities. Educational institutions must embrace multilingualism as an asset rather than a hindrance to progress. Further research is recommended to develop scalable models of mother-tongue-based multilingual education that can be adapted across diverse educational settings. Keywords: mother tongue preservation, educational globalization, linguistic diversity, multilingual education, language policy 1. Introduction In an increasingly interconnected world, globalization has profoundly influenced various facets of society, including education. While globalization facilitates the exchange of ideas and knowledge across borders, it also poses significant challenges to linguistic diversity. The This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 179 Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 3 Number 2 (Jul 2025), p. 179-196 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS dominance of global languages, particularly English, in educational systems worldwide has often led to the marginalization of indigenous and minority languages (Dady, 2020). This linguistic shift not only threatens the survival of these languages but also undermines the cultural identities and heritage of the communities that speak them. Mother tongues serve as the primary medium through which individuals first experience the world, conveying cultural nuances, traditions, and collective memories. The erosion of mother tongue usage in formal education can lead to a disconnect between generations and a loss of cultural continuity. Moreover, research indicates that initial literacy and education in one's mother tongue can enhance cognitive development and academic performance (Lartec et al., 2014). Despite these benefits, many educational policies continue to favour dominant global languages, often at the expense of local linguistic heritage. (Lartec et al., 2014). The preservation of mother tongues within educational systems transcends mere linguistic concerns; it is intrinsically linked to cultural sustainability, human rights, and the holistic development of individuals and communities. Languages are not only tools for communication but also repositories of unique worldviews, traditions, and knowledge systems. Their loss signifies the erosion of cultural diversity and the diminishment of collective human heritage. Languages encapsulate the essence of cultural identity. They carry the nuances of traditions, customs, and collective memories of communities. The extinction of a language often leads to the disappearance of the associated cultural practices and knowledge. As Harrison (2007) emphasizes, the loss of indigenous languages results in the erosion of entire systems of knowledge encoded within them. Moreover, the preservation of mother tongues has profound implications for social cohesion and mental health. A study conducted among Indigenous communities in British Columbia, Canada, revealed that communities with higher rates of mother tongue speakers experienced significantly lower youth suicide rates. Specifically, in communities where at least half of the members reported conversational knowledge of their native language, youth suicide rates effectively dropped to zero (Hallett et al., 2007). This finding underscores the role of language in fostering a sense of belonging and resilience among youth. Incorporating mother tongues into educational systems enhances inclusivity and effectiveness. Students are more likely to engage and excel when instruction is delivered in a language they understand intimately. Early education in the mother tongue facilitates better comprehension of abstract concepts, critical thinking, and cognitive development. UNESCO (2022) asserts that education in the mother tongue is a key factor for inclusion and quality learning, improving learning outcomes and academic performance. Furthermore, mother tongue-based education bridges the gap between home and school environments, fostering better communication between educators and families. Salie and Moletsane (2021) found that learners in the Foundation Phase who received instruction in their mother tongue experienced fewer learning barriers and better academic outcomes. This approach not only supports academic achievement but also reinforces cultural identity and self-esteem among learners. The right to receive education in one's mother tongue is recognized as a fundamental human right. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes the importance of preserving and prom (...truncated)