International Mother Language Day – Student Voices

International Mother Language Day was introduced by UNESCO to promote multiculturalism and to recognise unprecedented sacrifices. The idea is to emphasize the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism as an essential source for sustainable development. The event was established globally on 21 February 2000, to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 1952 while trying to make Bangla (Bengali) one of the state languages of East Pakistan (modern Bangladesh). Celebrating the International Mother Language Day, we reached out to some of our students to find out their perspectives. 

A language is far more than a means of communication; it is the very condition of our humanity – Audrey Azoulay, Director General UNESCO 

Our first comprehension of the world around us, the learning of concepts and skills and their perception of existence, starts with language – our mother tongue. Our personality is truly revealed using our mother tongue, as the sound of our native language and its meaning gives us individual identity and a sense of confidence. For a child it involves more than just language, and includes the child’s personal, social and cultural identity.  

"I find speaking my mother tongue important to me because it allows for greater cultural appreciation. I have become more inclined towards Bengali culture like the appreciation of the work of Satyajit Ray and Tagore, literary greats of West Bengal, and Durga Puja, an important cultural festival in Bengal" – Konik, Grade 12, Bengal 

"I believe that one’s native language is a literal expression of their cultural identity. It plays an important role in connecting people to their families on a deeper level" – Nidhi, Grade 10, Telugu 

"Tamil helps me connect with my identity and history as a Tamilian. Being able to speak, read and write the language also gives me immense pride, and has made me constantly push myself to improve my linguistic abilities. I hope to be able at some point to read Tamil epics like Silappadikaram and Manimekalai" – Krishna, Grade 12, Tamil

Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way. Today, linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened, as more and more languages disappear. The choice of words and expression carries different meaning across cultures and where in one language asking direct questions is considered intrusive, in another it is inquisitive. 

"I think they are important because without them, you lose access to a part of your identity and history. Knowing Tamil has allowed me to understand my grandparents' many stories, to enjoy the songs we have been singing for generations and to communicate and form better bonds with my community. It's also allowed me to better comprehend their viewpoints and emotions because I understand the nuances of the way they are expressing themselves. Additionally, speaking more than one language, especially given English and Tamil are languages with different sentence structures, has helped with learning other languages in school" – Ananya, Grade 12, Tamil 

"I think native languages are important because they help people keep up with their native roots and value their culture. I think that it also strengthens the bond you have with your family and keeps you connected on a level otherwise not possible. I think that native languages help others also learn more about different backgrounds and cultural differences" – Eloise, Grade 10, Flemish

Globally, 40 per cent of people do not have access to an education in the language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life. The Global Campaign for Education believes that there are assured areas which should be prioritized in policy development in the field of mother tongue learning. We hope that you will enjoy the International Mother Language Day, listen and talk to eachother in your mother tongue.