The Importance of Mother Tongue Education: A Mixed-Method Study

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: Bilingual Education Research Poster Session: Research and Implications for Bilingual and Multilingual Students

Abstract

The main objective of this current study is to illustrate the need for a language curriculum and to investigate what parameters will influence the development of a mother tongue. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed method, conducted in two phases: a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. For quantitative data collection, 280 participants responded the survey instrument. For qualitative data collection, 12 participants were interviewed. The results indicated that everyone has the right to be taught in their mother tongue. Mother tongue education has a crucial role in ensuring school attendance, raising the quality of education, and integrating children into society.

Authors

• Burhan Ozfidan, Florida Gulf Coast University

• Lynn M. Burlbaw, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Mehmet Karakus, Coventry University