Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Language and Education Research 2026, Vol. 8(1) 106-137
Mother Tongue in Periphery: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Ideologies in Pakistan’s SNC ECCE 2020
pp. 106 - 137
Publish Date: April 30, 2026 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
The present study conducts a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the Single National Curriculum Early Child Care and Education (SNC ECCE) 2020 policy document of Pakistan; particularly it focuses on implementation of mother tongue teaching at the pre-primary education sector. The study uses three-dimensional framework proposed by Fairclough (2001, 2015) comprising linguistic, inter-discursive and social analysis to uncover the ideologies and hegemonic power relations reflected in the policy. The findings reveal a significant gap between the policy’s rhetoric and its vague guidelines for mother tongue instruction. The linguistic analysis of the policy document highlights the whole text organization, modality and reiteration. Inter-discursive analysis further highlights the policy alignment with national of linguistic homogenization. In social practices the curriculum reveals reinforcement of the dominance of Urdu as a unifying national language and English as the marker of global competence, while relegating mother tongue to a peripheral and optional status. The study implies the need for more inclusive language policies and stronger institutional support for minority languages.
Keywords: Critical discourse analysis, three- dimensional framework, mother tongue, minority language education, language ideology
APA 7th edition
Majeed, A.A. (2026). Mother Tongue in Periphery: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Ideologies in Pakistan’s SNC ECCE 2020. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(1), 106-137.
Harvard
Majeed, A. (2026). Mother Tongue in Periphery: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Ideologies in Pakistan’s SNC ECCE 2020. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 8(1), pp. 106-137.
Chicago 16th edition
Majeed, Ayesha Abdul (2026). "Mother Tongue in Periphery: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Linguistic Ideologies in Pakistan’s SNC ECCE 2020". International Journal of Language and Education Research 8 (1):106-137.
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