Farsi School
Language is the tool for expressing thoughts and feelings, and a lack of this tool can lead to a child's social and communication skills being underdeveloped. Drifting away from one's native language is a common experience for many immigrant parents and, for some, it's a significant concern. They seek to minimize this gap because a weakness in the native language isn't simply a linguistic deficiency. It can lead to a disconnect from parents, a sense of alienation from peers who are fluent in that language, and a lack of connection to the roots and culture of the homeland.
Furthermore, when a child enters school and begins the process of learning to read, write, and study in the dominant language of the environment—and considering that parents often lack full proficiency in that second, third, or fourth language—the existing gap widens. This can create feelings of estrangement, inadequacy, and weakness on both the part of the child and the parent. Conversely, proficiency in the native language can significantly contribute to the development of creativity, a sense of belonging and pride, and the ability for both child and parent to collaborate in the child's learning process in other languages.
Research shows that skills such as comprehension, analysis, and inference (understanding information not explicitly stated in a text or conversation) develop more rapidly in a second language for students who have a better grasp of their native language. In essence, the native language acts as a foundation in the mind for learning these skills. By making connections between the second language and their native language, children can better understand and discover.
To progress in one's native language, it's essential to learn both reading and writing. If we only learn to speak a language, the language learning process remains incomplete and will eventually stagnate. Reading and writing not only enrich vocabulary and grammar but also serve as a bridge to culture and access to various resources.
Therefore, alongside the consistent and daily use of the native language, literacy in the native language should also be introduced systematically from a young age using simple books and methods.
At Mehr, we believe that the future of Iran lies in the hands of Iran's children. Every Iranian child, wherever they are in the world, will one day join hands to sing songs of prosperity and freedom. Therefore, we strive to ensure that until that day, the rich heritage of Iranian culture, the key to success, and the native language serve as a bridge between them.
