The decline of language medium schools and the importance of language-concordant care highlight how language proficiency shapes both educational and healthcare outcomes.
Recent data reveals alarming statistics about Marathi medium schools in Mumbai. While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) operated 368 such schools during the 2014-15 academic year, this figure plummeted to just 262 by the 2023-24 academic year, representing a loss of over 100 schools within ten years. Despite the state government aggressively promoting the Marathi language, including making it mandatory for government and semi-government offices, the situation for Marathi-medium education is dire.
According to Rajesh Kankal, BMC education officer, the declining numbers are largely attributed to changing parental preferences. “Most parents prioritize English-medium education. Those who don’t get admission there opt for Marathi medium as a second choice,” Kankal stated. This shift raises concerns among educators and activists, particularly with Marathi Language Day approaching on February 27. Some educators argue for proactive measures to sustain Marathi schools.
The government has attempted to enact policies to safeguard the Marathi language, like the Maharashtra Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Marathi Language in Schools Act of 2020, mandatorily applying to all schools. Nonetheless, critics, such as Sushil Shejule from the Marathi School Management Association, highlight the enforcement shortcomings, noting “there is no proper monitoring.” Educators assert the necessity for preservation rather than enforced policies among non-Marathi institutions. They advocate for governmental action to maintain quality Marathi-medium schools across Mumbai.
Conversely, another significant story sheds light on how communication impacts patient care. A large-scale study conducted by the University of Ottawa and the University of Manitoba demonstrates compelling evidence showing the value of language proficiency in healthcare. Researchers analyzed healthcare outcomes for Canadians living with hypertension and discovered startling results: patients who consulted physicians fluent in their preferred language exhibited a 36% lower risk of experiencing severe cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. These patients also faced nearly 28% lower mortality risk compared to those whose doctors spoke different languages.
Michael Reaume, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the need for healthcare systems to record language preference data systematically to provide optimal patient care. He likened the positive effects of language-concordant care to groundbreaking medical treatments. Enhanced access to language-matched medical care could drastically improve cardiovascular health. Experts advocate for urgent policy changes to improve equitable healthcare access for diverse populations, highlighting the importance of attracting linguistic minorities to medical education to bridge existing communication gaps.
On the education front, Language-Link, responsible for enriching cultural and educational experiences, welcomes around 50 Spanish students from Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia for summer learning this year. This program, which connects families and students, allows Spanish youths to experience life and education abroad. Hosting families' experiences forge lasting friendships between local British students and their Spanish buddies, enriching their language skills and cultural knowledge.
Spokespersons for Language-Link note the program has thrived, giving participants, including British families with children, opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and languages. They indicate this initiative not only supports language learners but also enhances cross-cultural literacy, beneficial beyond the classroom. Youngsters accustomed to teamwork and interests bond with their hosts, creating relationships often lasting well beyond the summer.
While the UK local community partakes joyfully, the government should also take actionable steps to reinforce the importance of language continuity relevant to both education and healthcare. According to the findings compiled from various sources, one fundamental truth emerges: languages hold more than mere words — they build bridges of communication, crafting schools of thought and care-based healthcare.
The decline of Marathi schools highlights the urgent necessity for proactive governmental efforts to sustain language medium education. Meanwhile, healthcare sectors must heed the voice of language preference, ensuring effective and impactful patient care. Together, education and healthcare intertwine, translating languages of communication, compassion, and cultural exchange.