Kathmandu, Feb 21: The UN International Mother Language Day is being marked across the world including in Nepal today calling upon the countries to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.
The International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. According to the UN, languages are essential to education and sustainable development, serving as the primary means through which knowledge is transferred and cultures are preserved.
“With approximately 8,324 languages in the world today, many are at risk of disappearing due to globalization and societal changes.”
The 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day celebrates a quarter-century of efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote mother tongues and this milestone emphasizes the importance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and fostering more peaceful societies, according to the UN.
The UN believes that multilingual education not only promotes inclusive societies but also aids in preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. It is a cornerstone for achieving equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
This Day underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
