A literature expert at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is advocating for mother tongue instruction at lower primary level. This comes as data indicates that over 6 000 languages and dialects are on the brink of extinction globally. Professor Sarala Krishnamurthy said such a fact requires advocacy by academics in the form of research on a new policy to curb extinction. Krishnamurthy indicated that if children are taught in their mother tongue from the onset, their literacy, numeracy, and cognitive skills improve much faster. She said this not only enhances easy learning but also becomes a vital tool in promoting, preserving and protecting cultural norms and values. The literature expert made the remarks during a public lecture on preserving indigenous languages in the capital on Monday. Professor Krishnamurthy said South Africa, which recognised more than 10 indigenous languages, is forging ahead with plans to officially make them mediums of instruction from Grades 1 to 12. She said South Africans are gathering all forms of traditional knowledge for the next three years, within the Otjiherero, and Khoe-Khoegowab language groups, to create books preserving their cultural norms and values.