The Significance of Language in Learning

Rose Ann G. Magtoto

Knowledge of a specific language is an essential skill in the acquisition of learning. Operationally, language may be defined as a system used in both oral and written discourses. It plays a vital role in expressing one’s views, ideas, feelings and experiences. Likewise, language is important in the acquisition of information to effect knowledge, skills and competence.

In the Philippines, there are e essential languages utilized in basic education. These are the learners’ Mother-Tongue (which may vary depending on the region, town or locality), Filipino and English languages.

The aforementioned languages must be learned and mastered by Filipino learners so they could utilize them in acquiring information from the other learning areas they have in school, likewise, from their own readings and conversations. With the view presented on the usefulness of language mastery, it is a clear proof that language mastery is critical in the acquisition of learning. Thus, the three language identified must be taught well in school.

As a Communication Arts teacher for years, I personally believe in the importance of language acquisition and mastery. All Filipino learners have to be taught specific languages in order for them to fully develop as students. The significance of language is emphasized by the late African President Nelson Mandela when he said that without language, nobody will be able to talk to people and understand them; none would be able to share their hopes and aspirations, know their history, likewise, appreciate poetry and music.

As an MTB-MLE teacher, I acknowledge the importance of teaching my students well with concepts, vocabulary and lessons under my learning area. They have to learn their mother tongue to be able to understand text written in MTB. Moreover, they have to learn Filipino and English as these two are also used as medium of instruction in the other learning areas. Focusing on the significant role of MTB in the lives of Kinder to Grade 3 pupils, their mother tongue is used as the medium of instruction in other subjects, like, Araling Pnalipunan and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao. While Filipino and English languages are introduced and developed, the main medium of instruction for the other learning areas for K to 3 levels is still their mother tongue.

The wisdom/principle behind this is that young learners learn better through their mother tongue or native or first language.

This is to help learners gain confidence to learn and to express their ideas, for better retention of read or heard information, to ensure friendly learning environment and to further build their self confidence before going the intermediate level. As a person, a Filipino and as an educator, I believe in the key function of language in the life of every person because it is one of the best systems used for verbal communication. Therefore, every learner must be able to acquire essential languages that he or she will use in life.

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The author is Teacher II at Malino Integrated School