Department of First Languages Development 

Introduction 

The Department of First Languages Development  in Hossana College of Education was opened in 2004 E.C in two sub-special departments, i.e Hadiyyisa and Siltigna and then, other first languages of the Centeral Ethiopia like Kembatisa, Halabisa, Yemisa, Guragigna, Libitiso and Tembarisa were all opened year after a year having evaluated the achievement of the expected goals of the former ones. The department serves as vibrant hub for both college, especially first language students and language community in whole to engage with the linguistic, literary and cultural dimensions fostering an environment that finally promotes both academic excellence and personal growth.   

Nowadays, all these departments are merged into one major department called First Languages Development Department collaboratively to accelerate the improvements in its internal standard structures for educational provisions. The ability to communicate effectively in one’s first language is essential to enhance students’ proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Beyond these basic language skills, critical thinking, technocracy and creativity are highly encouraged.   

The department recognizes that our languages are not just used for a means of communications, but also serve as a vital component of identity in different linguistic diversity. Therefore, our department capitalizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical contexts that shape our newly growing mother tongues and lead the users to the right path.  Though we have different mother tongues in a small basket, we feel proud on having it and together we strive to create an inclusive, passionate, and learning environment where every member’s voice is valued and diversities are equally celebrated.

Having ensured all the advantages of learning via mother tongue, then the department particularly gives the primary emphasis on providing “quality and equitable education in first languages for college students of the Centeral Ethiopia (Hadiyyisa, Kembatisa, Siltigna, Halabisa, Yemisa, Guragigna, Libitiso and Tembarisa) for all” which is instrumental to develop 21^st century competencies and move the society forward. 

To achieve this big departmental goal, First Language Development Department is making several investigations to fill first language related gaps in its either narrow or broader context. 

The flow of the content is from simple to complex, from known to unknown, and from specific to general to let students understand the content contextually. The activities are also students centered that give more opportunity for students to practice and develop the intended language skills at their level. 

Overview

The main intention of opening First Languages Development Department is to promote learners’ mother tongue and communicate through, and excel their knowledge in first language.  Then it could promote learners’ optimal learning and development. Doing these all, the department must always consider different indigenous knowledge, first language core skills, cross-cutting and national pressing issues and competencies. This is to develop competent citizens regionally and across the country. 

Researches indicate that having a strong foundation of first language leads to a much better understanding of the curriculum as well as a more positive attitude towards children schooling. Thus, it is essential that children uphold their first language when they begin education early, and make progressive efforts through different levels of education. First language education improves language skills, social and cultural values, learning other subjects and allows for cognitive developments of children. Bearing in mind, they live in peace and harmony, Ethiopian children who pass through the first language education will be: proficient in language skill, respecting of culture and identity, creative thinkers, confident (self-esteemed) , problem solvers, focused,  rational, and collaborative.

Goals 

Having successfully completed first language education from Hossana College of Education, students are expected to attain the following goals. The goals of teaching first language are to: 

Develop basic literacy skills that can contribute for enhancement of learners’ cognitive, emotional, and social skills. 

Acquaint learners with skills and linguistic knowledge of the language that helps them develop communication competence so that they express thoughts and feeling in different context. Aware learners about indigenous knowledge and values systems so that they can use in different social contexts. 

Objectives 

The main objectives of teaching and learning first language are to:  

• Design first language curriculum materials (modules and training manuals) mainly based upon learning outcomes, competencies, contents, learning strategies, assessment, and the allocated time for each content based on the Ethiopian curriculum framework.

• Develop literacy skills that make students ready to pursue their future academic endeavors.

• Understand major language skills that help students enhance their communicative competencies so that they can effectively express thoughts and feelings. 

• Recognize sub-skills that can assist the learners develop communicative competence.

• Comprehend linguistic features of the language drawn from scientific researches.  

• Develop use of language in academic, social, and economic contexts.  

• Enhance indigenous language systems presented through different language contents.

• Provide continuous training for mother tongue teachers through community service. 

Vision 

• The vision of first language education is expected to make learners ready to contribute positive attributes to society and embrace the richness of cultural diversity for the first languages of the Central Ethiopia (Hadiyyisa, Kembatisa, Siltigna, Halabisa, Yemisa, Guragigna, Libitiso and Tembarisa) so that each of individuals, especially children, not only speak but also can be educated in a language that they easily understand.

• And, envision a community of learners who are not only proficient in their first language but also confident communicators and critical thinkers.

Mission

• The mission of the department of first languages is to cultivate linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among students through the comprehensive study of their native language.

• Under this, the core principles of mission include language mastery, literary exploration, cultural engagement, effective communication, inclusive learning environment and life long learning.

Values 

Values of first language education are believes about what is important and, what is just both in first language and cultural context. These first language and culture related values guide our actions and our judgments in the community using our indigenous knowledge. The major values of first language are the followings: 

• Practicing conflict resolution culture of the society, 

• Gender equality and equity, 

• Being practical and punctual, 

• Having the essence of helping each other, 

• Culture of tolerance, 

• Keeping regional, national and international heritages, 

• Keeping unity within diversity, 

• Respect each other, 

• Developing the sense of hardworking, 

• Excelled thinking,

• Being innovative, and problem solver,and 

• Finally, taking care for the environment.

First Languages Development Department Contacts:

Negalign Demeke, First Languages Development Department Head

Mobile Numbers: +251911144847 /+251913408240

Email Adress: naggalliny@gmail.com

First Languages Development Department Staff Profile:

Conclusion

The Department of First Languages Development stands as a pillar of academic excellence and cultural appreciation, committed to nurturing the next generation of language learners.