The Importance of Language Education in the Development of National Identity

Abstract

The most important factor in the development of children’s cultural identities and belonging is language education. A language is an important tool that facilitates the communication of emotions, thoughts, and culture between people. Language education is the most basic education task that na- tions rely on in the process of nation-building and creating a national identity. The education system and programs can be modified and some courses may even be removed. However, language courses and activities always keep their place in the program. It is quite normal for language courses to have top priority among the educational activities of a nation.

National languages have been standardized and disseminated thanks to the formal education pro- vided by states. Modern states make basic education compulsory for all their citizens to be able to read and write the national language. The language of basic education is common and this is the provider of cultural homogenization. The concept of identity constitutes the most basic and most important origin of the social system. Identity has a multidimensional scope that symbolizes the whole of lifestyle elements such as beliefs, attitudes, value judgments, etc., which are the result of individuals’ cultural and social position and status. Identity formation begins in early childhood and continues gradually throughout a lifetime.

This study will emphasize the importance of language education as nation-building and national identity acquisition tool. The research data were obtained by literature review. Journals, books, and other sources on language education are reviewed. The success of language education depends on the compatibility of the program with the needs of children, the selection of textbooks and auxiliary materi- als, stories, novels, etc., and teachers.

Key words: Mother tongue, language, education, identity, national identity, national culture.