Language, Identity and Belonging
The GIS community is a diverse group of families representing a wide variety of cultures, traditions, experiences, and languages. We recognise the central role language plays in shaping identity and supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of every child.
As an international school, we are committed to supporting families in maintaining and developing their children’s mother tongue languages.
Mother Tongue and Self-Esteem
Research shows that children who develop strong skills in their home language often demonstrate higher levels of confidence, self-worth, and cultural identity. A secure foundation in one’s mother tongue helps students feel connected to their heritage while building the confidence to engage with the wider world.
Mother Tongue and Learning
The language of instruction at GIS is English. For many of our students, English is a second or third language.
Research demonstrates that the development of a child’s mother tongue is closely linked to the successful acquisition of additional languages. Skills developed in a student’s first language provide a strong foundation for learning and academic success in other languages.
At GIS, we therefore view mother tongue development as an important part of a student’s overall learning journey.
Mother Tongue and Family
Language plays an important role in strengthening family relationships.
When parents communicate with their children in their strongest language, they are better able to share ideas, values, traditions, experiences, and cultural perspectives. Maintaining the mother tongue helps preserve these important connections between generations.
Mother Tongue and Future Opportunities
Many international families may return to their home country or relocate elsewhere during their children’s education.
Strong mother tongue skills support future educational opportunities, employment prospects, and continued connections with family, culture, and community.
The Benefits of Multilingualism
Research consistently demonstrates that multilingualism offers many advantages, including:
- Stronger language-learning skills
- Greater cognitive flexibility
- Increased creativity
- Enhanced intercultural understanding
- Improved communication skills
- Greater empathy and global awareness
We believe multilingualism is a valuable asset and an important part of preparing students for an interconnected world.
How GIS Supports Mother Tongue Development
At GIS, we support mother tongue development by:
- Promoting awareness of the importance of home language maintenance.
- Helping families connect with others who share the same language or cultural background.
- Encouraging community initiatives that support language development.
- Providing access to resources that encourage multilingual learning.
- Celebrating the many languages and cultures represented within our community.
- Encouraging families to speak, read, and learn together in their home language.
- Supporting opportunities for students to use and develop their mother tongue in meaningful ways.
Working Together with Families
Families play the most important role in maintaining and developing a child’s mother tongue.
We encourage parents and guardians to:
- Speak their home language regularly.
- Read books and share stories in their mother tongue.
- Encourage friendships and activities that enable children to use their home language.
- Share cultural traditions and experiences.
- Engage children in meaningful conversations about their learning.
Together, we can help students develop strong language skills, a positive sense of identity, and a deep appreciation of cultural diversity.