The Mon State Parliament has approved a proposal to extend the teaching of Mon ethnic language in primary-level basic education schools across Mon State up to Grade 5.
The proposal was submitted by U San Tin, a Mon State Parliament representative for Paung Township Constituency No. 2, during the first day of the Third Mon State Parliament’s Second Regular Session held on June 9.
Parliament representatives who supported the proposal said that teaching ethnic languages at the primary level should not be limited to basic literacy but should be extended to Grade 5 to enable students to achieve greater proficiency.
“Only by extending instruction to Grade 5 can students become fully proficient in the language. It will also help preserve Mon literature and culture. Therefore, the proposal should be accepted for discussion in parliament,” said U Kyaw Zeya Min, a Mon State Parliament representative for Bilin Township Constituency No. 2, while supporting the proposal.
During the parliament session on June 15, three parliament representatives spoke in support of the proposal. It was subsequently approved without objection.
Regarding the proposal, U Myo Min Hlaing, the military junta-appointed Minister for Bamar Ethnic Affairs in Mon State, said, “To enable ethnic language teaching to be extended to Grade 5, we will continue to submit the matter to the relevant Union ministries in accordance with procedures and work toward implementation.”
As the proposal has now been approved by parliament, the state government will be required to implement the extension of ethnic language teaching at the primary level up to Grade 5.
At present, Mon language is taught only up to Grade 3 in primary-level basic education schools. Mon language teachers say the current level is not sufficient for students to gain adequate language proficiency.
