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ONLINE lecture: Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education

Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) for Fostering “Sense of Belonging”:
An International Comparative Study in Southeast Asia

Dr Rei Sudoh (University of Tokyo) will give an online lecture on June 2, 11:30-13:00 (CEST)
ZOOM LiNK: https://uw-edu-pl.zoom.us/j/94814194381

This research project explores the role of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) as a vital form of inclusive education for linguistic minorities. Focusing on Southeast Asia, specifically Timor-Leste (RAEOA) and the Philippines (Mindanao), the study aims to clarify how MTB-MLE fosters a „Sense of Belonging” among learners and their local communities. To achieve this, the study employs a qualitative approach, conducting narrative interviews with students, teachers, and parents to uncover specific experiences related to their sense of belonging in school environments. By analyzing these narratives, the research seeks to extract and compare the core conceptual elements of belonging cultivated through MTB-MLE across the region, highlighting its profound impact on social and educational inclusion.
Since this research has started in 2026 April, the speaker will share the research plan with an explanation of the landscape of language of instruction issue and MTB-MLE in Timor-Leste which is presenter’s PhD study.

Rei Sudoh, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the Center for Advanced School Education and Evidence-Based Research (CASEER) in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Tokyo. Specializing in comparative education and international educational development, his research focuses on language minorities, language-of-instruction issues, and inclusive education within the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular expertise in Timor-Leste. Alongside his academic career, he brings valuable practical experience to the field of international educational development, having worked with international NGOs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and UNESCO Bangkok.