Celebrate International Mother Language Day – learning other languages

LANGUAGE forms the foundation block in communication. As such, it is important to respect, acknowledge and understand each other’s language in order to communicate effectively. One day in the year is designated to celebrate this everyday human necessity called language. International Mother Language Day has been observed throughout the world since February 21, 2000.

The theme for this year is, ‘Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning’. International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the significance of linguistic diversity. It highlights the need to promote and protect minority languages around the world.

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South Africa has 12 official languages, and all of them are used in different parts of the country as a language of learning. In KwaZulu-Natal, although the most dominant language is isiZulu, many schools offer various languages around the province as a learning language.

Those various languages include Tamil and Hindu, due to South Africa, particularly Durban, being one of the largest ethnically Indian-populated cities outside of India.

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And to celebrate International Mother Language Day, we say:

Happy International Mother Language Day – English
Usuku oluhle lolimi lwebele – isiZulu
Gelukkige Internasionale Moedertaaldag – Afrikaans
Letsatsi le machaba la puo ya letswele – Sesotho
Iimini emandi yosuku lolwimi lwebele – IsiXhosa

Watch the video of Holy Family College Learner Tayla Leigh Chetty signing ‘Happy International Mother Language Day’ in sign language.

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