“Does the deprivation of Mother Tongue lead to intellectual downfall, mental health issues and dementia if it is not given like colostrum?” (Akh cxhinwin)
Intellectual Downfall, Especially In Regional Languages: As we know, in early childhood (birth to seven years) is when the brain is at its peak, making it the ideal time to learn a mother tongue. Exposure during this period strengthens neural networks, enhances ability to identify, manipulate Grammar, and syntax. Mastery of the native language enhances executive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving while stimulating the decision-making and abstract thinking. Key areas such as Broca’s (speech) and Wernicke’s (language comprehension) develop efficiently with early exposure; whereas delays can lead to weaker language skills and cognitive challenges later. Exposure to two languages, including the mother tongue, enhances cognitive flexibility, Improves memory, and strengthens task-switching abilities by connecting both hemispheres of the brain. Therefore, if we are not well- grounded in our mother tongue, we risk a Linguistic breakdown, resulting in language accidents which can manifest conditions of Language fluency disorder” like (“Bi Ches Chahan Red Colouruk Pheran Anun”). Intellectual decline occurs in regional languages when people are not taught their mother tongue from the beginning. I belong to the Kashmiri language community, and many Kashmiri-speaking people express frustration about this. They love the Kashmiri language and want to write in it, but they lack fluency and struggle to do so properly. This is because the language is not deeply rooted in their unconscious mind; instead, two or three languages operate simultaneously within them, causing confusion and code-switching stress. No language comes in isolation; it brings along everything associated with it: social, cultural, intellectual values, traditions, and customs. As a result, neither thoughts nor beliefs remain entirely one’s own. So, when the foundation of one’s mother tongue is not strong, this is bound to happen. How can fluency then be achieved? “It means the soul of the language has died.” Every regional language, if not nurtured like colostrum, raises the question: How is it possible that languages and literature will flourish? Either we have resources to produce them, or we are choking their throat.
Mental Health And Dementia: If we consider someone who speaks solely in his mother tongue, his emotions, values, and cultural essence continue to resonate deeply within his personality and character. However, if the same person, who expresses simplicity and grace in his speech, is placed in today’s so-called class-oriented society, it could cause psychological distress. Unable to communicate effectively, he would be ignored and regarded as insignificant or classless (in terms of communication driven society). The same happens within our homes and neighborhoods today. With cultural shifts and changing language patterns, people are left wondering whom to talk, how to engage, and in which manner to communicate. They only say that one line, “assih chhani tagan wai’n kathi karin” instead of that if I talk about that. In 2014, after my grandmother’s brain hemorrhage, which led to a stroke, she continuously narrated her life story, shared events from her childhood followed by what happened next, And so on. At that moment, I couldn’t understand what was happening.
“It’s essential for schools to find a balance that encourages the use of native languages alongside the curriculum, fostering both linguistic and cultural growth. While I acknowledge that bilingualism and multilingualism are indeed important in today’s world, they can only develop effectively when a strong foundation is built in the mother tongue.”
From the perspective of what studies suggest, such behavior might be linked to how the brain functions after a stroke or hemorrhage. Often, damage to certain areas of the brain, particularly in the left hemisphere (which Controls language processes), can lead to disinhibited speech. This means the brain may struggle to regulate thoughts, causing a person to speak continuously or in a stream of consciousness without much control but she recovered soon because she was a left-handed individual; luckily, she had bilateral or right hemisphere dominance, meaning damage to the left hemisphere might not cause severe language deficits or could only cause mild aphasia. It is an extraordinary example of how the brain can work in surprising ways, even under severe neurological stress. She was never subjected to isolation based on language or communication. She had always been free, living a joyful life (linguistically), and even after that, she continued to thrive for three more years—with the same fluency of language. People like her never develop bilateral dominance. But I talk about those who live in isolation. It’s clear that they lead toxic lives. They are constantly told their words are meaningless or inappropriate, instructed on what to say and how to say it. This endless suppression breaks them. Over time, they fall prey to conditions like dementia, where even recognizing their identity becomes a struggle. If such incidents happen to them, they lose the ability to express themselves and slowly slip into many mental issues. And if they manage to speak, their words lose meaning—they no longer know what to say or how to say it. At last, the mother tongue is an emotion. For example, when I say the word (mother), the image that reflects in our mind aligns exactly with how this word has been traditionally understood in our culture—its essence, love, and Compassion. It’s not just a word; it carries deep emotions attached to it. However, when the same word transforms into mom (a modern variation or borrowed form), the imagery shifts. It no longer evokes the same feelings of Affection or connection. This has happened with countless words (in fact, minds) in our language—altered forms have not only changed their meaning but have also distanced us from the emotions originally tied to them. In summary, the qualities we strive to cultivate and nurture in our children, but unfortunately, by keeping them away from their mother tongue, isn’t it vulnerably strange? Despite studying in prestigious schools, colleges, and universities, these skills still don’t develop properly. How will it be done? Nowadays, the restrictions imposed on the use of mother tongue in our school have a significant impact. Children are becoming distant from their own language and resorting to a limited vocabulary. This compulsion, along with constant monitoring, hinders their ability to interact freely with their classmates. As a result, students often feel less confident expressing themselves. This not only stifles their creativity but also limits their cultural connection and understanding. Language is a vital part of identity, and when children are discouraged from using their mother tongue, they miss out on the richness of their heritage. Moreover, this could lead to a lack of fluency in their native language over time, as they become more accustomed to using only a few chosen words in a more restricted environment. It’s essential for schools to find a balance that encourages the use of native languages alongside the curriculum, fostering both linguistic and cultural growth. While I acknowledge that bilingualism and multilingualism are indeed important in today’s world, they can only develop effectively when a strong foundation is built in the mother tongue. “Curtains Pertaining the Ruthless Actor!!”
(The author is a freelancer and not a staffer of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Bisma Shafi
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