Manama: The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) Riffa campus celebrated multilingualism activity week to encourage and sustain regional cultures during November 15-25,2021.In order to promote multilingualism, Regional Languages are included as a part of the academic syllabus at the ISB. The languages offered for primary classes are Malayalam,Tamil,Kannada,Urdu,
cultures from around the country.The Regional Language celebration weeks saw bubbling enthusiasm among students and a burst of colourful traditional wear, regional music, regional cuisines, art and craft representing different corners of the country. Attires representing Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were on display. Punjabi traditional wear and Andhra Pradesh’s Langa Voni to Maharashtra’s Nauvari, Guajarati saree to Lehenga choli were colourful . Boys looking dapper in their Dhoti- Kurta and turbans in Odiya, Bihar and Rajasthani styles were elegant. Students exchanged ideas, spoke about famous literary works in their specific regional language and sang famous songs from their folklore. In Sanskrit, children sang patriotic songs which they have shared on social platforms.
Teachers highlighted the importance of regional languages and shared with students amazing facts about the contribution of different regional languages to the world. A short quiz was played to help the students to relate these works to the present-day applications which saw passionate participation among the students.
“Regional languages play a key role in the coexistence and sustenance of multilingual societies, their traditional knowhow and cultures. Mother-tongue is especially seen to strengthen students’ learning skills, personal social and cultural identity. Hence, it’s important to foster them through education to younger generations in a sustainable way’, said Riffa campus Principal Pamela Xavier.
“Regional languages play a key role in the coexistence and sustenance of multilingual societies, their traditional knowhow and cultures. Mother-tongue is especially seen to strengthen students’ learning skills, personal social and cultural identity. Hence, it’s important to foster them through education to younger generations in a sustainable way’, said Riffa campus Principal Pamela Xavier.
‘Learning native language helps in building confidence and connecting with a new culture. It also helps in interacting with local people and in maintaining harmony within the community’ said ISB Hon.Chairman Prince S Natarajan.
‘Students should learn regional languages in schools as it helps one connect with diverse cultures,’ said ISB Hon. Secretary Saji Antony.