By: Natasha Archary
This Monday marks International Mother Language Day. The 21 February is pinned as the day to commemorate multilingualism by the United Nations (UN).
The theme for this year is ‘Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities’.
To mark the day on Kaya 959, Thomas and Skhumba kicked off the conversation In the Morning.
The day was first initiated by Bangladesh in 1999.
While SA has 11 official languages, we thought it would be fitting to share a classic phrase, “I love you” in 5 languages to celebrate diversity.
I love you x 5 languages
- French – Je t’aime
- Hindi – Main tumse pyaar karta hoon
- Spanish – Te quiero
- Portuguese – Eu amo Você or Eu te amo
- isiZulu- Ngiyakuthanda
International Mother Language Day signifies how important cultural and linguistic diversity is to embrace societal differences.
According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the day forms part of its mandate for peace.
It’s a small step to preserving the differences in cultures and languages by fostering tolerance and respect for diversity.
Linguistic diversity is increasingly at risk as the world adopts English universally, mother languages are gradually disappearing.
The UN reports that 40% of the population do not have access to education in a language they understand or speak.
Also read: Sexual assault case against DJ Fresh and Euphonik reopened


