Celebrating International Mother Language Day

Every year, on February 21st, the world recognises International Mother Language Day - a day to highlight the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and the need to promote multilingualism. 

Language is not just a tool for communication - it shapes our worldviews, influences our relationships, and allows us to connect on a deeper level.

How did International Mother Language Day come about?

On 21 February 1952, police opened fire at a rally in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), killing five students and injuring many others as they protested for Bengali to be recognised as an official language. Four years later, their efforts led to Bengali gaining official status.

Multilingualism in South Africa

In South Africa, multilingualism is especially significant. With 12 official languages, South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world. Each language carries its own history, traditions, and way of seeing the world. That diversity isn’t just something to acknowledge—it’s something to celebrate.

The South African government has taken steps to protect and promote indigenous languages, by introducing policies and initiatives to revitalise endangered languages. This includes the creation of language policies in education, the promotion of mother-tongue literacy, and efforts to raise awareness of the value of linguistic diversity.

Multilingualism at SPARK Schools 

At SPARK Schools, we embrace language diversity every day. Our scholars are encouraged to use their home languages in social spaces, from the playground to the classroom. They are free to speak in their preferred language while working together in class. We also celebrate diversity and different cultures during our events, public holiday observances, and themed study units.

We see language as a vital part of our cultural heritage, so we encourage parents and guardians to continue speaking to their children in their home language, fostering cultural values and practices. This allows our scholars to express and share their cultural identities with their peers. 

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How You Can Celebrate International Mother Language Day

1. Read a story in your home language: Grab an old favourite, or something new in your mother tongue to strengthen language skills and cultural identity. 
2. Teach your child a song in their mother language - music is a wonderful way to keep languages alive. 
3. Encourage cultural exchange: Together with your child, learn a few words or phrases from a different culture. 
4. Speak your home language proudly: Whether at home, at work, or in public, embrace your mother tongue and pass it on to the next generation.

 Keeping our Languages alive

Languages connect us to our roots and our communities. At SPARK Schools, we believe every scholar’s language is worth celebrating and we are committed to using, preserving and honouring the languages that make us who we are.  Through language, we can build bridges and create a united and inclusive South Africa.

Happy International Mother Language Day!

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