Fostering social cohesion in ethnolinguistic communities through mother tongue-based initiatives in Nepal
Abstract
In Nepal and other regions, fostering social cohesion within ethnolinguistic communities is recognized as a vital factor for fostering social prosperity. This research paper presents an integrated framework developed through an extensive literature survey, incorporating the perspectives of ethnolinguistics and social cohesion. The study examines social cohesion using mixed methods, exploring its domains and correlation with linguistic theories. Special attention is given to the role of social prosperity and how this study impacts attitudinal and behavioral aspects of social cohesion. The study’s findings underscore the significance of interconnected social relations, a sense of connectedness, and shared common goods as essential elements for fostering practical social harmony. Notably, the research emphasizes the critical role of mother tongue-based educational activities in empowering ethnolinguistic communities, catalyzing sociocultural transformation, and promoting identity. It is revealed that these initiatives contribute to poverty reduction and foster gender equality and social inclusion. Moreover, the research advocates language-based interventions as a pivotal strategy for enhancing social cohesion. By recognizing language as a critical element that binds communities, this study aims to create a more fruitful investigation and provide practical, scientific, and managerial contributions in fostering social cohesion within ethnolinguistic contexts.
References
Acket, D. B., & Sarracino. (2011). Measuring and validating social cohesion: a bottom-up approach. In: OECD (No. 2011–8). VALCOS. Available online: https://www.oecd.org/dev/pgd/46839973.pdf (accessed on 19 November 2023).
Banjara, A. R. (2019). Inclusion, Mobility and Multilingual Education Conference. In: Exploring the roles of languages in social cohesion and inclusion in minority ethno-linguistic communities in Nepal. Bangkok; British Council. Available online: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications/case-studies-insights-and-research/immle-conference-2019-academic-publications (accessed on 20 November 2023).
Bernard, P. (1999). Social cohesion: Critique of a quasiconcept (French). Lien Social et Politiques. RIAC, 41, 47–59.
Bernard, P. (2002). Social cohesion: a dialectical critique of a quasi-concept. I (French). Nouvelles Notions, 41, 47–59. https://doi.org/10.7202/005057ar
Chan, J., Chan, H., & Chan, E. (2006). Reconsidering social cohesion: developing a definition and analytical framework for empirical research. Social Indicators Research, 75, 273–302.
Chan, J., To, H. P., & Chan, E. (2006). Reconsidering Social Cohesion: Developing a Definition and Analytical Framework for Empirical Research. Social Indicators Research, 75(2), 273–302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-005-2118-1
Conger, J. A., & Kanungo, R. N. (1988). The Empowerment Process: Integrating Theory and Practice. The Academy of Management Review, 13(3), 471. https://doi.org/10.2307/258093
Dahal, D. R. (2000). Nepal’s governing elite: their composition and role in constituting the state. In: Kumar D. (editor). Domestic conflict and crisis of governability in Nepal. CNAS.
Dhakal, B. R. (2021). Mother tongue based multilingual education in Nepal. Scholars’ Journal, 4, 82–92. https://doi.org/10.3126/scholars.v4i1.42465
Dhakal, B. R. (2021). Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education in Nepal. Scholars’ Journal, 82–92. https://doi.org/10.3126/scholars.v4i1.42465
Dickes, P., & Valentova, M. (2012). Construction, Validation and Application of the Measurement of Social Cohesion in 47 European Countries and Regions. Social Indicators Research, 113(3), 827–846. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-012-0116-7
Fillmore, N. (2020). Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education in Nepal: Past, Present, and Emerging Trends. International Perspectives on Education and Society, 231–254. https://doi.org/10.1108/s1479-367920200000039020
Ghimire, L. (2006). Ideologies in the educational language policies of Nepal: mother tongue instruction in multilingual schools of Nepal. Nepalese Linguistics, 26, 36–44.
Gurung, H. (2006). From exclusion to inclusion: Socio political agenda for Nepal: Social Inclusion Research Fund.
Gurung, Y. B., Suwal, B. R., Pradhan, M. S., & Mukta, S. T. (2014). Nepal social inclusion survey 2012: Caste, ethnic and gender dimensions of socioeconomic development, governance and social solidarity. Kathmandu: Central Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Jerard, J., & Suresh, V. (2022). The Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar: Enhancing Data-Driven Research. RSIS Commentaries, 110-122.
Kandel, P. (2010). Mother-tongue based multilingual education. Language Development Centre.
Koirala, B. N. (2013). Opportunities for Multilingual Education in Nepal. Journal of Education and Research, 2, 30–34. https://doi.org/10.3126/jer.v2i0.7620
Malone, S. (2009). Planning mother tongue-based education programs in minority language communities. SIL International. ABD (Asian/Pacific Book Development), 34(2), 71-79.
McKim, C. A. (2016). The Value of Mixed Methods Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 11(2), 202–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689815607096
Phyak, P. (2021). Language education policy in Nepal and the denial of the right to speak in Indigenous languages. Melbourne Asia Review, 7. https://doi.org/10.37839/mar2652-550x7.7
Regmi, A. (2014). Ascertaining access to mother tongue-based multilingual education for ethnolinguistic communities of Nepal. Nepalese Linguistics, 29, 172.
Regmi, D. R. (2012). Multilingual education in Nepal: Policy and practice. TU bulletin special 2012-13, 136–149.
Schiefer, D., & van der Noll, J. (2016). The Essentials of Social Cohesion: A Literature Review. Social Indicators Research, 132(2), 579–603. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-016-1314-5
Schiefer, D., & van der Noll, J. (2016). The Essentials of Social Cohesion: A Literature Review. Social Indicators Research, 132(2), 579–603. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-016-1314-5
Vivek, R., & Nanthagopan, Y. (2021). Review and Comparison of Multi-Method and Mixed Method Application in Research Studies. European Journal of Management Issues, 29(4), 200–208. https://doi.org/10.15421/192119
Copyright (c) 2024 author(s)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The author(s) warrant that permission to publish the article has not been previously assigned elsewhere.
Author(s) shall retain the copyright of their work and grant the Journal/Publisher right for the first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under:
OA - Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0). This license allows for the copying, distribution and transmission of the work, provided the correct attribution of the original creator is stated. Adaptation and remixing are also permitted.
This broad license intends to facilitate free access to, as well as the unrestricted reuse of, original works of all types.