PROMOTING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ELT THROUGH LADAKHI LITERATURE IN ENGLISH: A STUDY ALIGNED WITH NEP 2020

Abstract [English]

The purpose of this research is to determine how Ladakhi literature written in English, specifically A. G. Sheikh’s Forsaking Paradise: Stories from Ladakh (2000) and Lhundup Gyalpo’s Betty’s Butter Tea: Stories from Ladakh (2020), in promoting “Culturally Responsive English Language Teaching” as aligned with the “National Education Policy (NEP) – 2020”. It analyzes narratives that investigate cultural identity, social values, and local traditions to assess their potential for making English Language Teaching inclusive and pertinent to Ladakh’s socio-cultural setting. The research draws from the investigator’s background in teaching parts of these texts in Ladakhi schools, where they are included in the syllabi of the JKBOSE and the University of Ladakh as well. The study used a qualitative analysis in align with classroom experiences to examine the thematic and linguistic components of these texts, underscoring their congruence with NEP 2020’s focus on multilingualism, cultural relevance, and learner-centered education. Findings indicate that the integration of Forsaking Paradise and Betty’s Butter Tea in ELT improves linguistic abilities and fosters cultural awareness. This study highlights the potential of Ladakhi literature in English to establish a culturally responsive pedagogical framework, offering practical insights for educators and policymakers to realize the goal of NEP - 2020 in varied linguistic and cultural contexts such as Ladakh.