Iran bans teaching English in primary schools to prevent “cultural invasion”
Iran has banned English learning in primary schools after Muslim leaders warned that early learning of the language would allow Western culture to penetrate.
Protesters show support for the anti-government march in Iran near the Iranian embassy in Paris, France. Photo: Reuters
According to Reuters news agency, Mr. Mehdi Navid-Adham, head of Iran's Higher Education Council, said on Iran's national television last weekend: "Teaching English in formal training programs at public and private primary schools is a violation of the law and management regulations."
Traditionally, English teaching in Iran usually begins at secondary level, with students aged 12-14, however some primary schools also have English classes.
“The reason for this ban is that we believe primary education is the foundation for the Iranian culture of our students,” Mr Navid-Adham explained, adding that even non-formal English classes could be banned.
Mr Navid-Adham's announcements come after Iran experienced its largest anti-government protests in nearly a decade.
The country’s leaders have accused foreign powers including the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia of being behind the protests. At least 21 people have died and hundreds have been arrested, including about 90 students at a university in Tehran, in connection with the protests.
Iran's Islamic leaders regularly warn of the dangers of "cultural invasion" involving the English language.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reacted strongly in 2016 to the spread of English teaching to kindergartens.
Mr Khamenei, who has the final say on important matters of state, said at the time: "This does not mean opposing the learning of a foreign language, but it is promoting a foreign culture in the country and among children, youth and young people in general."
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