Iran has taken a significant step by prohibiting the teaching of foreign languages, including English and Arabic, in kindergartens and primary schools, with immediate effect, as reported by state media.
Massoud Tehrani-Farjad, an official from the Ministry of Education, explained that “The teaching of foreign languages is prohibited in kindergartens, nursery schools, and primary schools because at this age, the Iranian identity of the child is being formed.”
This ban on foreign language instruction extends beyond English and includes Arabic. Persian, the official language in Iran, which carries influences from Arabic, French, and English, remains the primary language of instruction in schools.
In June 2022, the Ministry of Education had indicated plans to introduce a “trial to teach French” in schools across the country as part of an effort to diversify language education.
Furthermore, the government’s decision in September to restrict Iranian or dual-national students from attending international schools has already had an impact on the enrollment in some international schools in Tehran, such as French and German institutions.
This move reflects ongoing efforts to promote the use of Persian and strengthen Iranian cultural and linguistic identity among the younger population.
