Mother tongue meets technology: The real gamechanger in classrooms

When India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommended that children be taught in their mother tongue or regional language at least till Grade 5 (and preferably till Grade 8), it was more than a cultural nod—it was a recognition of how children actually learn.

A child who hears stories, instructions, and everyday communication in their home language processes information faster and builds stronger foundations when taught in that same language, finds reams of research. Add technology to this equation, and suddenly classrooms have the power to democratise learning, break down barriers of access, and make education not only inclusive but also engaging.

Why mother tongue matters in learning

Language is not just a medium of instruction; it is the medium of thought.

Children think, dream, and question in the language they grow up with. Forcing them to immediately adapt to a second language in the early years often delays comprehension and creates a gap between understanding and expression. By teaching concepts in the vernacular, teachers allow students to grasp ideas directly, without the mental gymnastics of translation.This does not mean sidelining English or other widely used languages.

Rather, it means sequencing learning: Strengthen conceptual understanding in the familiar language first, then layer on additional languages as tools for expression and global communication. This progression is natural, less stressful, and more effective.

Where technology steps in

The challenge, of course, is scale. India has multiple regional languages and hundreds of dialects. Creating quality content for each language, training teachers, and ensuring consistent delivery can feel overwhelming.

That is where technology acts as the great equaliser.

In short, technology allows localisation at scale—something that would have been logistically impossible a decade ago.

Classrooms transformed by vernacular and Tech

Imagine a rural school where resources are limited. Traditionally, a teacher might have struggled to explain abstract concepts like photosynthesis in English. Today, the same concept can be introduced in the regional language with the help of a short video, followed by interactive exercises in the same language.

Students who might otherwise sit silently now engage, ask questions, and experiment with ideas.Urban classrooms benefit too. With children often coming from mixed linguistic backgrounds, teachers can switch seamlessly between a local-language explanation and digital aids that offer subtitles or parallel versions in English. The result: No student is left behind, and advanced learners can still stretch themselves.

Teacher empowerment, not replacement

A common fear is that technology might replace teachers. In reality, when paired with vernacular instruction, it does the opposite: It strengthens the teacher’s role. Technology takes care of repetitive tasks—like providing practice exercises, showing demonstrations, or offering instant feedback—so teachers can focus on higher-order activities such as mentoring, discussion, and personalised support.Moreover, teachers themselves benefit from training modules in their own language. Many educators, particularly in non-urban areas, find English-heavy training materials alienating. Providing professional development in local languages helps them grow more confident and effective.

Barriers that still remain

While the vision is promising, challenges remain:

Addressing these gaps will require investment, not just in gadgets, but in training, curriculum design, and infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

The combination of vernacular learning and technology isn’t just a “nice to have”; it is the most practical way to make education equitable in a linguistically diverse country. NEP’s emphasis on mother tongue was a crucial policy step, but the real transformation lies in how schools, ed-tech companies, and governments implement it on the ground.If done right, children in small villages and big cities alike will learn with the same confidence—because they will first understand, then apply, and finally express themselves in multiple languages. Classrooms will evolve from rote-driven to curiosity-driven. Teachers will evolve from information providers to facilitators. And technology, instead of being a distraction, will become the bridge that carries every child across the language barrier.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.