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The Importance of the Mother Tongue in Education for Academic Success: Switzerland Basel Native Language and Culture Lessons (HSK).

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Title: The Importance of the Mother Tongue in Education for Academic Success: Switzerland Basel Native Language and Culture Lessons (HSK).
Authors: An, Asim1 asimari64@gmail.com
Source: International Journal of Instruction. Jul2026, Vol. 19 Issue 3, pi-v. 5p.
Subject Terms: *Native language, *Academic achievement, *Learning, *Bilingual education, *Multilingualism, *Acculturation, Cultural assimilation
Geographic Terms: Switzerland
Abstract: A native language, also known as a first language or mother tongue, is the language a person is exposed to from birth or during early childhood. Learning one's native language greatly supports the acquisition of a second language. Furthermore, students who continue to develop their native language skills tend to achieve higher academic success in later years. Speaking multiple languages offers many advantages. Those who understand cultural differences have an easier time in our society. Native language and culture lessons (HSK) teach your child the language and culture of their home country. Children explore history, geography, civics, food, festivals, and customs. Highly qualified HSK teachers lead the courses with great dedication. The lessons follow the curricula and guidelines of the respective countries. Native language and culture instruction is available in approximately 40 languages in Basel-Stadt. The lessons are offered weekly in state schools and consist of two or three sessions. Children attend a session as close as possible to their homes. The lessons take place outside of normal school hours, such as on Wednesday afternoons when there is no school or on Saturday mornings. In HSK classes, children and teenagers from different schools but the same grade level are taught together. In some classes, younger and older children also learn together. Depending on the language, your child can attend classes as early as kindergarten; some courses begin in the first year of primary school. Your child can usually attend HSK classes until the end of their schooling. HSK instruction is an important component in the language development of bilingual and multilingual students and makes a significant contribution to their integration. By engaging with cultural and social issues or exploring specific topics related to nature, humanity, and society, as outlined in the mandatory HSK curriculum framework, students become aware of both the differences and similarities compared to Switzerland and reflect on their own actions and thoughts. This engagement strengthens children's transnational and bicultural identities and increases their chances of successful integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Education Research Complete
Description
Abstract:A native language, also known as a first language or mother tongue, is the language a person is exposed to from birth or during early childhood. Learning one's native language greatly supports the acquisition of a second language. Furthermore, students who continue to develop their native language skills tend to achieve higher academic success in later years. Speaking multiple languages offers many advantages. Those who understand cultural differences have an easier time in our society. Native language and culture lessons (HSK) teach your child the language and culture of their home country. Children explore history, geography, civics, food, festivals, and customs. Highly qualified HSK teachers lead the courses with great dedication. The lessons follow the curricula and guidelines of the respective countries. Native language and culture instruction is available in approximately 40 languages in Basel-Stadt. The lessons are offered weekly in state schools and consist of two or three sessions. Children attend a session as close as possible to their homes. The lessons take place outside of normal school hours, such as on Wednesday afternoons when there is no school or on Saturday mornings. In HSK classes, children and teenagers from different schools but the same grade level are taught together. In some classes, younger and older children also learn together. Depending on the language, your child can attend classes as early as kindergarten; some courses begin in the first year of primary school. Your child can usually attend HSK classes until the end of their schooling. HSK instruction is an important component in the language development of bilingual and multilingual students and makes a significant contribution to their integration. By engaging with cultural and social issues or exploring specific topics related to nature, humanity, and society, as outlined in the mandatory HSK curriculum framework, students become aware of both the differences and similarities compared to Switzerland and reflect on their own actions and thoughts. This engagement strengthens children's transnational and bicultural identities and increases their chances of successful integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:1694609X
DOI:10.29333/iji.2026.1930a