Mother Language Education and Language Planning Policy: A Case of Hawramani Children in Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract

This study underscores the crucial role of mother tongue instruction in language policy planning at different levels due to its impact on kids' ability to grow cognitively. The aim of this research is to study the importance of and challenges associated with using mother tongue in education. The focuses on the Hawrami variety spoken in the Hawraman area of Halabja province, Kurdistan Region/Iraq and explores a range of mother tongue education initiatives, opportunities and challenges in this area vis-à-vis Kurdish language policy. In other words, the study is investigating mother tongue education specifically designed for children in this particular area from a sociolinguistics perspective. This research addresses issues about the real-world implications of mother tongue education for Hawramani children. It has been found that significant efforts have been taken in this direction since ideas of mother tongue education is closely linked to cultural significance. Moreover, learning in one's mother tongue fosters cultural pride and protects legacy. This is crucial for Hawramani children because it helps them develop a strong sense of who they are, connect with their heritage, and feel more a part of their communities.