International Mother Tongue Day

International Mother Tongue Day is a very understated event that should be celebrated more. It recognises that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and that the 'Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind.

Did you know that:

1. Every 2 weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. 
2. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered. 
3. Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain, and less than a hundred are used in the digital world.

There is growing awareness that languages play a vital role:

• in development, 
• in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue,
• in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all, 
• in building inclusive knowledge societies and preserving cultural heritage, 
• in mobilizing political will for applying the benefits of science and technology to sustainable development.

During International Mother Tongue Day which we celebrated on Friday 18th February, each one of us prefects went to a different Primary classroom where we had the chance to lead a small workshop during their language lessons. This involved creating a poster of their favourite word in their preferred language, alongside a small picture and description. Every student was enthusiastic and creative with their posters and their words. We also enjoyed learning about their mother languages and their cultures. 

We wish to thank Ms Belshaw and all the other languages teachers who helped us with the organisation of this event. We are looking forward to celebrating this event next year. If you would like to explore and learn more about this topic, make sure to click on the links below:

United Nations

Unesco

Emily and Greta

Year 12 Languages Prefects