English or Local Language?

This is such a debatable issue the school should introduce English first to students than native languages. Some claim that learning English gains more benefit than learning the native language. In contrast, some believe that mother tongue should be prioritized. This essay is mainly concerned about the importance of both languages.

In education context, numerous online learning resources are available in English. This is because one of the purposes of the material production aims to gain worldwide viewers. Students who are interested in studying marine lives for example, they can learn them effectively and interestingly by taking advantage of National Geographics for Kids website. While the language used is English, students with English proficiency are more advantageous than monolingual speakers. 

However, maintaining local languages is also essential. This is because the use of local language can increase a sense of belonging to where we are rooted. When we use the same language, Madurese or Javanese for instance, depending on who our interlocutor is, can promote a shared-personal identity. A simple action that can be taken to get the local language survived can start from the smaller scope of society, family. It means that everyone is strongly encouraged to use the mother tongue as a main tool of communication such as while having dinner together. Parents should pass it to their children because they would be the role model of how the local language can be maintained. 

In conclusion, teaching English to students at school is important considering a wide range of academic resources to support their academic performance and entertaining purposes. On the one hand, preserving the native language is also fundamental as family plays a significant role to do so. Government can support the latter issue by introducing policies and supporting fund for the school authorities to include it in the curriculum. If it is not, the local languages are at risk.  

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