Mother Tongue and Language Policy Planning

Abstract

Language is regarded as a medium of existence, expression, and communication. It symbolizes individual, social, and cultural identity, serving as a code to preserve civilization and convey knowledge. It forms the fundamental basis upon which society is built, fostering unity, development, rebirth, and leadership. Can it effectively contribute to the formulation of language policy? This study aims to elucidate the essence of the mother tongue and its pivotal role in unification, rejuvenation, development, and leadership. It also seeks to underscore the objectives of its education while defining the theoretical and procedural aspects of mother tongue language policy planning. In a coordinated and systematic manner, our conclusion rests on the premise that the project of unity, rejuvenation, development, leadership, and the construction of future generations fundamentally relies on a comprehensive understanding of the mother tongue. This encompasses an understanding of its laws, an awareness of its characteristics, proficiency in its use, and careful planning for its application in the active social and economic spheres of the nation's institutional framework and society.