An Important Change in the Educational Law Concerning Language Teaching in Berlin

The Berlin Parliament has finally taken a significant step regarding the status of languages in schools. On 16 Sep 2021, the Berlin House of Representatives passed a new school law called "PROMOTION OF TWO AND MORE LANGUAGES” which replaced the outdated law of "Instruction for students of non-German origin”. We believe that this new law will contribute to the promotion of multilingualism in schools by responding at least five critical issues. These are:

1. The term "non-German origin” was abolished.
2. Schools have to record the students’ “home languages” by asking the parents at school enrolment! That means, the students will not be automatically categorized according to their passport status or parents’ country of origin, but rather with their own linguistic identities.
3. Teaching of languages of origin in schools is further strengthened in a legally binding way.
4. Students will be able to select their mother tongue as a 2nd foreign language in upper levels. That means, teaching of languages of origin will not be limited to the primary school only.
5. Finally, it recommended that every child be supported to grow multilingually from kindergarten until school graduation.

We believe there are at least five vital forces playing a crucial role in realizing this success.

First of all, the efforts of highly engaged civil society organizations, parents’ associations and unions over the years must be mentioned above all. Secondly, the awareness of parents who insist on their children’s multilingual development along with their mother tongues has been one of the decisive factors in pushing all stakeholders towards a more diverse and inclusive society. Equally important is the hard and committed work of the commissioners in the Senate, especially those working in the areas of inclusion, integration, migration and education. The highly relevant work of individuals including language and education activists, academicians and educators has to be reminded as well. Last but not least, the existence of committed politicians from various political parties is one of the key factors which gives hope, motivation and encouragement to all the other stakeholders mentioned previously in their work and efforts.

Passing of this new law is a great example of collective work of all stakeholders involved. As Yekmal, Verein der Eltern aus Kurdistan in Deutschland, we are proud to be a part of this great community of influencers and transformers of the society. We are looking forward to collaborating and cooperating with all the stakeholders for a more inclusive, diverse and multilingual future for all.