Three Language Formula

The 3 language formula is defined as the language learning policy, it was first formed in 1968 by the Ministry of Education of the Government of India. The three-language policy in India is accepted by most of the states in India, except for the states like Tamil Nadu. This policy was accepted in the New Education Policy of 2020.  The three-language formula or the 3 language policy is essentially defined as a rule that emphasized the use of a national language or a regional language mentioned in the constitution of India as a medium of instruction till Class 5 of the child studying in India. 

The three-language formula was aimed to achieve the following objectives.

• It was aimed to accommodate group identity.

• It was aimed to establish and strengthen national unity. 

• It was also aimed to enhance administrative efficiency. 

The article focuses on the brief description of the language policy, it also mentions the impacts and importance. The arguments against the implementation of the policy are also briefly discussed in the article along with the history of the language policy.

History of 3 Language Formula

The history of 3 language policy in India dates back to the term of Indira Gandhi’s term as the Prime Minister of the country. The 3 language formula was introduced in the National Education Policy of the year 1968 by the Indira Gandhi government. The policy stated the implementation of the teaching of three languages in every state; the Hindi-speaking states would have  English, Hindi, and a modern Indian language whereas the non-Hindi-speaking states would have  English, Hindi, and one Indian language taught.

The tri language formula was developed as an acknowledgment of the needs of non-Hindi speaking states like Karnataka and mainly Tamil Nadu. it is important to note that the 3 language policy is followed by the state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy.

Although the policy was accepted in 1968 by the majority of the states the recommendation for the policy approval was made far earlier than the year 1968. It is recorded that the early proposal for a three-language policy was produced by the University Education Commission in the year 1948. It was mentioned in the proposal that the need to study three languages as a part of the curriculum is not an improvidence, the bill was proposed by citing the examples of multilingual countries like Belgium and Switzerland.

Need of Implementation of 3 Language Formula in India

Three language formula was implemented to sever the gap between the states, the policy aimed to accommodate group identity whilst establishing and strengthening the unity of the nation. It was also aimed to improve the speed of administrative work by removing the language barrier. Although the objectives of the policy were novel it is very important to understand the circumstances that led to the implementation of the policy. 

One of the most important scenarios was the non-uniform or uneven teaching system across the country, which led to the development of the language barrier in the communication between the states. It is also important to understand that Hindi is the primary medium of instruction in most of the states in the north like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and many more. While Hindi is the most commonly used language in the northern states other states across the country used regional languages and English as the medium of instruction this further created a gap and difficulty in the execution of administrative works especially in smaller areas or rural districts. 

Hence to lower the language barrier and maintain the cultural dignity of every community the policy was implemented.

Progress Report After the Implementation of the Three-Language Formula

As we have already discussed the question of “what is the three-language formula?'' It is important to understand the progress and setbacks of the policy in the Indian education system. But prior to the discussion of the summarized report of the policy implemented it is important to note that the matters of education are within the legislation of the state government, hence the implementation or rejection of the education policy is subject to state governance. 

Although the law received much praise regarding the objective and overall goals of creating healthy communication between states, many experts suggest that the law was only partially successful as most of the states did not accept the formula in principle. For instance, in many Hindi-speaking states of the north, Sanskrit was used as a third language instead of any modern language; the south Indian languages rarely opted as a medium of instruction. This was seen as a setback in promoting inter-state communications.

In the non-Hindi-speaking state, the three language policy was not implemented. An example of such a state is Tamil Nadu, which adopted a two-language policy. According to the two-language policy, the languages taught are English and Tamil.

Reasons for the Opposition of the Language Policy in India 

It is evident from the discussion that Tamil Nadu governs with a two-language policy, although the power of implementation of an education policy lies with the state government, it is important to understand the reasons for the opposition of the three-language policy. This will also help in understanding the arguments in the case of the third language in India. It is very important to understand that the arguments do not merely cover the rigid facts and statistics, it also encompasses the sensitive cultural arguments.

A very important argument is based on the preservation of one’s cultural identity. As language is a prominent part of cultural preservation, one's language is a vehicle to protect the culture of that particular place. It is the duty of the state and civil society to protect the cultural identity of a community or state. Another important aspect of the argument is that imposition of compulsory training will lead to the elimination of English which is a global link language. 

An important point to notice is that even though the state is run by a two-language policy the voluntary learning of the Hindi language has never been restricted in the state. 

Three Language Formula According to NEP 2020

The law was accepted in the National Education Policy of 2020, although the aim of the law remained the same we provide a brief summary of the important points mentioned in the policy. The important points are mentioned below.

• The policy emphasized the medium of instruction as a mother tongue or a regional language until the grade fifth, but the preferable grade till which the study of the language is mentioned in class eight.

• The three-language formula will be implemented as a step to promote multilingualism and promote national unity.

• Although there are some states that do not follow the three-language policy, the voluntary efforts of learning a third language are appreciated by the state government. 

• An important point to understand about the national education policy of 2020 is that the choice of learning a third language completely resides with the states, regions, and students themselves. The only necessary thing the students must be taught at least two of the three languages that are native to India.

• The HRD Ministry of Education has assured that the three-language formula will be implemented in the schools but with increased flexibility and no language will be imposed on the students.  

In conclusion, the three-language policy was made to encourage children to study the native languages of India and lower the barrier of interstate communications. Although the law is implemented by various states the practical implantation of the law is yet to be done in many states and regions.