Calls for Expansion of Mother Tongue Education in Berlin

Thu 20th Feb, 2025
In Berlin, various organizations are advocating for an increase in mother tongue education and the establishment of more bilingual European schools. This initiative coincides with International Mother Language Day on February 21. Prominent groups, including the GEW Berlin (Union for Education and Science), the Turkish Community in Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB), and the Kurdish Parents Association Yekmal, have raised concerns regarding the lack of educational programs in languages such as Kurdish and Arabic, particularly when compared to the standard offerings of English and French across most schools. Gökhan Akgün, the chair of GEW Berlin, highlighted the disparity in language education across Germany, noting that while other states such as North Rhine-Westphalia offer instruction in 30 different languages, Berlin currently provides education in only about ten. The demand for mother tongue instruction is significant, according to Ayse Demir from TBB, who emphasized the multicultural makeup of the city. Approximately half of Berlin's population has transnational ties, which makes the promotion of family languages in education imperative. Demir pointed out the positive impact of recognizing and incorporating family languages in educational settings, stating that it fosters a sense of value among children and their families. Additionally, it supports language development, which is crucial for cognitive growth and academic success. The organizations are also calling for an expansion of bilingual European schools. Many families express a strong interest in additional language offerings, particularly in languages such as Arabic, Kurdish, and Romanian. Despite the benefits of multilingual education, there remains a perception of unequal recognition among various languages. Demir noted that while English and French are widely accepted and valued, speakers of languages like Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, Romani, and Wolof do not always receive the same level of acknowledgment for their linguistic abilities. This ongoing discussion underlines the necessity for educational reforms that embrace the linguistic diversity of Berlin and ensure that all students receive equitable opportunities to learn in their mother tongues. Such measures are essential not only for fostering inclusivity but also for enriching the educational landscape of the city, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to language education that reflects its multicultural identity.

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