Abstract

This study examines the language-related challenges facing ethnolinguistic communities in Nepal, focusing on mother tongue-based educational programs. The United Nations has emphasized these initiatives as critical tools for sociocultural development. The paper’s primary goal is to discuss the importance of mother tongue use in fostering socio-economic transformations in multilingual societies and promoting sustainable development and identity. The study also explores the debate about choosing mother tongues or second languages for education. In today’s globalized world, this dilemma continues to persist. The paper argues for a multilingual strategy to navigate Nepal’s linguistic diversity. Employing a cross-sectional, exploratory, and causal-comparative design, the study assesses knowledge and attitudes toward existing mother-tongue-based initiatives. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies are used, focusing on its cross-sectional aspect. The research identifies the importance of mother-tongue-based education in empowering ethnolinguistic communities, facilitating sociocultural change, and promoting identity. The study suggests that such language-focused interventions can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals like poverty reduction, gender equality, and quality education. The paper concludes by advocating for the enhancement of mother-tongue-based programs to empower ethnolinguistic communities and achieve sustainable development.