THE languages are in danger of extinction and only a few hundred of them are included in the education system, and less than a hundred used in the digital world. For this reason UNESCO celebrates “Mother Language Day” on February 21, adopted by the United Nations General Assemblyto highlight the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of mother tongues in the preservation and enrichment of world cultural heritage, thus contributing to social cohesion and intercultural integration.
In fact, UNESCO estimates that “every language is also a reflection of a culture, particularly the languages of minorities and indigenous peoples, which play a vital role in preserving our rich global cultural diversity. They enable the transmission of culture, values and traditional knowledge, as well as the promotion of a sustainable future.“.
As the director points out of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay: “Learning in your mother tongue is an essential condition for academic success. Self-esteem is strengthened, the child's curiosity is awakened from an early age and cognitive abilities are facilitated.“.
By beginning teaching in the student's native language and gradually introducing other languages, barriers between home and school are overcome., facilitating effective learning. However, currently, 40% of the world's population does not have access to education in their native language.
This is why the United Nations agency is committed promote multilingualism on the Internet, as well as on the airwaves. To date, more than 90% of the content online it only exists in a dozen dominant languages. The objective of Mother Language Day is therefore to ensure that everyone has the same learning and information opportunities.
