Dr Shubhankar Mishra*
| Expressing emotions is often most effective in our native language, as it significantly enhances emotional connection. In contrast, using a non-native language is often perceived as a reflection of one’s intellect. Our first language, acquired from infancy, is crucial for understanding our environment and developing meaningful learning and analytical skills. Research consistently shows that individuals proficient in their native language generally perform better academically, highlighting the practical advantages of such proficiency. Therefore, pedagogues frequently prioritize using the native language as the medium of instruction, especially in primary education, to foster improved learning outcomes. |
Mother languages are essential for providing quality education and empowering societies. Former UNESCO Director-General Ms. Irina Bokova once said, « mother languages in a multilingual approach are essential components of quality education, which is itself the foundation for empowering women and men and their societies. » This statement highlights the broader impact of mother languages—not only on individuals but also on the communities they belong to. She further emphasized the need to recognize and nurture this potential to ensure that « no one is left behind, » ultimately contributing to creating « a more just and sustainable future for all. »
The Global Language Landscape
The global language landscape is marked by the existence of approximately 8,324 spoken languages, many of which face the threat of extinction due to globalization and societal shifts. Alarmingly, a language disappears in every two weeks, jeopardizing unique cultures and traditions. The American linguist Kenneth L. Hale poignantly once stated, « When you lose a language, you lose a culture, intellectual wealth, and a work of art. It’s like dropping a bomb on a museum, the Louvre. » 
The rapid decline in linguistic diversity is gaining recognition, raising concerns among speakers of both dominant and minority languages. As a result, in recent years, endangered languages have become the focus of academic research and community initiatives aimed at preservation and revitalization.
Celebrating the Cause
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) reaffirms the importance of protecting multilingualism. It is celebrated annually on February 21 to promote and honour linguistic and cultural diversity. UNESCO announced this day on November 17, 1999; it was first observed on February 21, 2000. In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognized International Mother Language Day by adopting a resolution. This occasion celebrates the diverse languages spoken around the world.
International Mother Language Day is crucial for recognizing and valuing our native languages. It calls for a renewed commitment to preserving our linguistic heritage. This observance is vital for safeguarding non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages, ensuring that everyone has equitable access to education and lifelong learning. Embracing this day strengthens our communities and champions the rightful place of linguistic diversity in society.
Over the years, International Mother Language Day has explored various themes related to multilingual education. These themes include « Fostering Multilingualism for Inclusion in Education and Society » (2021), « Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities » (2022), « Multilingual Education: A Necessity to Transform Education » (2023), and « Multilingual Education as a Pillar of Learning and Intergenerational Exchange » (2024).
This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, highlighting the importance of preserving language to protect cultural heritage and foster peaceful societies. The observance strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This goal addresses the need to reduce education disparities and inequities, particularly regarding access and quality. Additionally, SDG 4.6 seeks to ensure that everyone, including youth and a significant proportion of adults—both men and women—achieves literacy and numeracy.
Fostering multilingualism impacts many aspects of our lives. It extends beyond communication and education and relates to other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 5, which strives for gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls; SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities; and SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Understanding the broader effects of multilingualism helps us recognize its significance. Celebrating this vital day offers an excellent opportunity to explore the connections between multilingualism and the various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Multilingualism and the United Nations
Education in a child’s mother tongue is crucial for quality learning. Unfortunately, many countries still rely on a monolingual education system, negatively affecting students’ basic literacy skills. The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report published by UNESCO published a policy paper titled « If You Don’t Understand, How Can You Learn? » This paper reveals that a staggering 40% of people worldwide are deprived of education in their native language. This exclusion leads to an inequitable educational environment, as many children are expected to learn in English without consideration for their cultural and social backgrounds. Overlooking the needs of these children places them at a disadvantage, especially for those living in poverty. Consequently, their learning outcomes suffer from the very beginning.
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032). This initiative highlights the urgent situation of numerous indigenous languages worldwide. It encourages various stakeholders to mobilise resources to preserve, revitalise, and promote cultural heritage while exploring opportunities for improved learning experiences. UNESCO has spearheaded these efforts in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and other UN agencies.
Advancing Multilingualism: India’s Efforts
India is a multilingual nation with over 120 languages and dialects across its vast territory. According to the 2011 Indian Census, Hindi is India’s most widely spoken language, with approximately 528.3 million speakers, accounting for about 43.63% of the population. Hindi ranks as the third most spoken language in the world, underscoring its significant influence and importance. Hindi, deeply rooted in Sanskrit and closely linked to Urdu, has served as a unifying force (Jan-bhasha), bridging diverse cultures within the country and beyond over the years.
Hindi is rapidly gaining global recognition as a contact language (Sampark-bhasha), especially among the Indian diaspora, regardless of their origins within the country. It also has a significant presence in Mauritius, Nepal, Fiji, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, among others. The saying « Bhasha gayee to Sanskriti gayee » highlights the essential link between language and culture, emphasizing that losing a language equates to losing our cultural identity. Hindi plays a crucial role in preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of these nations and others worldwide, fostering a sense of pride and respect for the language and its culture.
The Indian Constitution recognizes Hindi as an official language, along with 21 other languages designated as scheduled languages. These languages include Assamese, Bangla, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kashmiri, Kannada, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. These languages are spoken by a vast population and play a vital role in literary expression, essential for understanding India’s rich and diverse cultural fabric. Besides, the Indian government has recognized eleven languages as ‘classical’ due to their rich literary traditions, historical significance, and recorded histories spanning 1,500 – 2,000 years or more. The classical languages include Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bangla. These initiatives help ensure that India’s extraordinary linguistic heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
Embracing diversity is essential to enhance our collective identity and foster national unity. The Indian government is committed to promoting multilingualism to safeguard its rich linguistic heritage, particularly by integrating Indian languages into educational frameworks. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of teaching students in their home languages at least until Grade 5, which supports the development of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills. Notably, significant efforts have been made to integrate the teaching and learning of Indian languages and Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT) in schools and higher education, demonstrating a strong commitment to diversity and national unity.
Multilingualism: The Path Forward
In today’s interconnected world, proficiency in multiple languages is an invaluable skill that we should respect and appreciate. It is a unique ability that holds immense value, and we must recognize that everyone has the right to communicate in their native language.
Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa, once said, « If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. » This quote emphasizes the importance of communicating in a language that is familiar to the listener.
Our cultural and linguistic diversity is a valuable asset that deserves celebration and appreciation. Embracing our languages through speaking, listening, reading, and writing (LSRW) allows us to honour our heritage and identity while fostering deeper connections with others. By promoting multilingualism, we can enhance communication and work towards a world that values linguistic diversity, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration for a better living environment for everyone. Matri-bhasha Diwas Abhinandan – Greetings on the occasion of International Mother Language Day 2025!
* The writer is an Indian government representative in the World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius as Deputy Secretary General. Views expressed are personal.