Celebrating International Mother Language Day: Promoting Linguistic Diversity and Heritage

Image credits: PTI

Celebrations for International Mother Language Day have been taking place across the globe, with a focus on promoting linguistic diversity and heritage. In India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu, the day has been marked with great enthusiasm, with leaders emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the mother tongue. The language is an integral part of a community's identity, and efforts are being made to ensure that it continues to thrive in the face of increasing globalization. At an event held at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chennai campus, dignitaries such as G.V. Selvam, vice-president, VIT, and Miyata Kenji, Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, stressed the significance of mother tongues in shaping a country's economy and culture.

According to Mr. Selvam, only a few countries, including India, Japan, Germany, France, China, and Israel, give importance to their mother tongue, and this has contributed to their economic development. He also emphasized the need to take pride in one's mother tongue, saying that speaking in Tamil is an identity and that it should not be abandoned. Mr. Miyata Kenji highlighted the importance of communication in understanding and connecting with people from other countries, and the role that language plays in facilitating this process. The event also saw students from various states speaking in their mother tongues and showcasing their merits, demonstrating the rich linguistic diversity of India.

In a message on International Mother Language Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said that the mother tongue is not only a language with admirable antiquity but also a classical language with the power to function independently without the help of other languages. He stressed the uniqueness of the Tamil language and said that it is not inferior to any other language. Other leaders, including AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP state chief K Annamalai, also emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the mother tongue, with Palaniswami advocating for a rational bilingual policy of 'Tamil at heart – English to the World!' and Annamalai stressing the need to provide basic education in the mother tongue.

The celebrations for International Mother Language Day have also highlighted the need to protect and promote linguistic diversity in the face of increasing globalization. With the rise of technology, there is a risk that minority languages may be lost, and efforts are being made to document and preserve these languages. The day has also seen a call to action, with leaders and individuals alike being encouraged to take steps to promote and preserve their mother tongues. This can include speaking in the mother tongue at home, teaching it to children, and supporting initiatives that promote linguistic diversity.

In conclusion, the celebrations for International Mother Language Day have highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity and heritage. With leaders emphasizing the need to take pride in one's mother tongue and efforts being made to document and preserve minority languages, it is clear that language plays a vital role in shaping a community's identity and culture. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, it is essential that we take steps to protect and promote linguistic diversity, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of communities around the world is preserved for future generations.