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| Artcard by Mika Orolfo |
'If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.' - Nelson Mandela
What is International Mother Language Day?
Multilingualism is celebrated around the world as it reflects the rich culture and the unique connection people have with their own communities. It is defined as the ability to speak multiple languages, and more than half of the population of the world has the ability to speak at least two languages.
Languages are significantly crucial for people and the world because of their complex consequences for identity, communication, social integration, education, and development. However, globalization played a role in the decreasing appreciation for different languages, making them increasingly under threat. According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 6,000 languages spoken in the world, and at least 43% are endangered. Unfortunately, only a few languages are given a place in the education system.
Established in November 1999 by the General Conference of the United Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21 of each year in honor of the tragic event that happened in Bangladesh in 1952. Policies pertaining to multilingual education are essential for inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages, as emphasized by the 2024 topic "Multilingual education - a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning." Effective learning is facilitated by bridging the gaps between home and school by beginning instruction in the learner's mother tongue and progressively introducing additional languages.
Why is International Mother Language Day important?
There are several reasons why International Mother Language Day is significant; firstly, it celebrates the diversity of languages around the world. There are over 6,000 languages spoken in the world today, and more than 120 languages are spoken in the Philippines. Each one represents its unique culture and history. International Mother Language Day is a reminder of the beauty and richness of this linguistic diversity.
It also promotes multilingualism, which has been shown to have a number of cognitive benefits, such as creativity, improved memory, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, it also raises awareness of the threats to languages and aids in their preservation. Many languages are endangered or at risk of extinction, caused by several factors such as globalization, language assimilation, and lack of access to education in minority languages. People are more eager to learn new languages that are most commonly spoken around the world, giving less attention to other mother languages.
How can we celebrate International Mother Language Day?
Learn a few words in a new language. Learning new words in different languages and acknowledging their importance in society serves as a way for us to celebrate them. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you get started. You could even start by learning a greeting or essential phrase in a language spoken by someone you know or someone you admire.
Watch a movie or listen to music in your mother tongue. This is a great way to connect with your cultural heritage and appreciate the beauty of your language. Consuming media that showcases multilingualism and cultural diversity not only helps support the people who are part of the production but also aids in the continuous exposure to our own heritage and talents.
Attend a cultural event celebrating your heritage. Many communities celebrate International Mother Language Day with cultural events, such as food festivals, music performances, and language demonstrations. Make sure to stay updated with organizations that celebrate the event and encourage others to join as well because the beauty of language is meant to be shared.
Continue to speak in your mother language. One of the best ways for us to preserve our languages is never to stop speaking them and to value them as much as we value other languages. It ensures continued transmission of the language, grammar, nuances, and vocabulary between generations; our emotional connection through communication strengthens cultural identity. It is also crucial for us to learn about the history of our mother language and teach others a few basic phrases to keep it alive.
Although we celebrate International Mother Language Day on a single date, let us not confine its spirit to just one day. This event serves as a potent reminder that our languages are more than just tools for communication; they are the strings that attach us to one another despite growing up in different cultures and having different identities.
International Mother Language Day is a call to action to protect and revitalize these languages. It serves as a way for people to proudly speak their languages, celebrate them, and appreciate them. Continuous exposure and utilization are vital to preserving culture and keeping these languages alive.
