Language Acquisition and Relevant Theories: Through the Lens of NEP-2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative shift in Indian education, transitioning from rote learning to a competency-based, multilingual framework. By grounding its strategies in established theories—such as Vygotsky's “Social Interaction,” Krashen's “Comprehensible Input,” and Cognitivism—the policy treats a child's mother tongue as a vital pedagogical tool. While systemic challenges like resource shortages and the “English-only” social bias remain, the policy's eclectic approach aims to minimize cognitive load and foster emotional safety. Ultimately, NEP-2020 seeks to build a culturally rooted yet globally competitive generation through inclusive, scientifically backed language acquisition.