Language Policy of India and Schooling: Theorizing Multilingualism

Abstract

Multilingualism in India's educational landscape reflects the nation's unique identity and underlines the need for inclusive language policies that honor linguistic diversity. Multilingualism talks about the inclusion of parents and the community in planning the curriculum, syllabuses, and teaching learning materials in an active and innovative way. It also suggests that language classes should creatively exploit the different languages available in a given classroom, focusing on the interaction of different linguistic discourses. This article aims to critically assess the multilingual provisions mentioned in India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and attempts to shed light on its implementation and implications.