Iran (IMNA) - According to the United Nations website, a significant number of children and adults still lack access to education and essential literacy skills, with 250 million children and young people not attending school and 763 million adults struggling with basic literacy. Mother tongue education plays a vital role in facilitating learning, improving literacy rates, and enhancing the ability to learn additional languages.
The theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is "Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning." This theme underscores the importance of multilingual education in promoting intergenerational learning and cultural preservation. Multilingual education is recognized as a key component in building inclusive societies, preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages, and fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures.
By celebrating International Mother Language Day, individuals and communities worldwide are encouraged to embrace linguistic diversity, advocate for multilingual education, and support the preservation of all languages to create a more inclusive and interconnected global society.
Preserving Linguistic Diversity Through Multilingual Education
The importance of using learners' native languages in education has been emphasized as a vital tool for enhancing learning outcomes, boosting self-esteem, and developing critical thinking skills. This approach not only supports intergenerational learning but also plays a significant role in cultural preservation.
A recent call to action has highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges faced by linguistic diversity on a global scale. Multilingual and multicultural societies rely on the preservation of their languages as vehicles for passing down traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. However, as more languages disappear, the threat to linguistic diversity continues to grow.
Studies show that a significant decline in languages worldwide has resulted in approximately 40 percent of the global population lacking access to education in their native language. In some regions, this number exceeds 90 percent, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting multilingual education.
Experts believe that focusing on multilingual education, particularly in the early years of childhood development, is a key commitment to fostering public life growth and achieving sustainable development goals. Policies that promote multilingual education are essential for creating inclusive learning environments and safeguarding indigenous languages.
By initiating education in a learner's mother tongue and gradually introducing additional languages, barriers between home and school can be broken down, leading to more effective learning outcomes. Embracing linguistic diversity through multilingual education is not only essential for individual growth but also for the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide.
International Mother Language Day celebrates linguistic diversity and promotes cultural preservation
Established by UNESCO in 1999 and celebrated for the first time in 2000, International Mother Language Day is an initiative of Bangladesh aimed at protecting languages from disappearing. The annual event highlights the vital role of languages in development, cultural diversity, and intercultural dialogue, as well as their contribution to cooperation, quality education, and knowledge societies.
Languages are essential in preserving cultural heritage, mobilizing political will for sustainable development, and applying the benefits of science and technology to global challenges. The global celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity in promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding among different communities.
International Mother Language Day underscores the role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. This day is a reminder of the richness of linguistic diversity and a call to action to preserve and protect languages around the world.
Multilingualism in Iran
Iran is a country known for its rich linguistic diversity and multilingualism. With over 70 different languages spoken throughout the country, Iran is home to a vast array of linguistic communities. The primary language spoken in Iran is Persian, also known as Farsi, which serves as the official language of the country. However, there are numerous other languages spoken by various minority groups, each with its own unique cultural and historical significance.
Some of the most widely spoken minority languages in Iran include Azerbaijani, Kurdish, Arabic, and Baluchi. These languages are not only important for maintaining cultural identity and heritage but also play a crucial role in fostering diversity and preserving the rich tapestry of Iran's linguistic landscape. Multilingualism is a common practice in Iran, with many individuals growing up speaking multiple languages fluently.
The linguistic diversity in Iran is a reflection of the country's long and complex history, with various waves of migration and conquest contributing to the mixing of different languages and cultures. This diversity is celebrated and valued in Iran, as it enriches the cultural fabric of the country and adds depth to its national identity.
Multilingualism in Iran is not just a matter of personal or cultural identity; it also has practical implications for communication, education, and social cohesion. Being able to speak multiple languages can open up greater opportunities for individuals in terms of education, employment, and social integration. It also promotes understanding and empathy between different linguistic communities, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within Iran's diverse population.
Overall, the linguistic diversity and multilingualism in Iran are important aspects of the country's cultural heritage and national identity. By embracing and celebrating this diversity, Iran can continue to thrive as a vibrant and inclusive society that values the unique contributions of its diverse linguistic communities.
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