International Mother Language Day
UNESCO has identified 8,324 languages worldwide. Of these, around 7,000 are still in use today, but 6,000 are at risk of disappearing, and some will vanish soon. In fact, according to the United Nations, a language disappears every two weeks. However, UNESCO asserts that this is neither an inevitable nor an irreversible process. On the contrary, the fate of a language depends on the status and use it is given. Marginalization has led many languages to their current precarious situation.
In this context, UNESCO is marking the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, which has been observed since 1999, with celebrations in Paris yesterday and today. This day serves as a milestone, recognizing “decades of efforts to preserve mother tongues, safeguard cultural heritage, and improve education.” It is, therefore, both a celebration of linguistic diversity and a tribute to those working tirelessly to preserve endangered languages, ensuring they continue to thrive as part of our planet’s rich cultural tapestry.
As a United Nations agency, UNESCO advocates for the protection of linguistic diversity worldwide, considering it of strategic importance not only for individual languages but also for the well-being of the planet. According to UNESCO, reaffirming the crucial role of linguistic diversity is essential “in fostering dignity, peace, and understanding” and is fundamental “to building a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030.”
Meanwhile, on this silver anniversary of International Mother Language Day, the United Nations highlights that languages are the primary means of transmitting knowledge and preserving culture. It also emphasizes that multilingual education is particularly vital for minority and Indigenous languages, arguing that it not only benefits these languages but also contributes “to more inclusive and equitable societies.”
Associate Professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)