Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
To promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism, International Mother Language Day is celebrated on February 21.
Languages are the most powerful instruments for preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. The mother language has a profound impact on the formation of an individual’s identity. Although decades have passed since India gained independence from the British Raj, the debate over whether learning English is more important than one’s own mother tongue continues.
The main purpose of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about linguistic and cultural diversity across the world. International Mother Language Day is observed in memory of the students who were killed while fighting for the recognition of their mother language, reminding us that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Every language spoken in the world represents a unique culture, melody, colour, and heritage. For everyone, the mother language is one of the most precious treasures of life.
It is important to learn one’s mother tongue because language is the vehicle of culture and tradition. Since language and nationalism are closely related, we must also ensure that emphasis on the mother tongue does not lead to narrow-minded linguistic nationalism. One’s mother language is deeply ingrained in cultural identity and history.
Languages are among the most valuable treasures of a nation. While substantial resources are often allocated to protect material heritage, comparatively little is devoted to preserving languages. Language is the essence and identity of culture and a major tool of communication. It enables the exchange of ideas, emotions, and feelings. Knowing one’s language is the key to preserving culture.
The mother language plays a tremendously important role in a child’s education. Researchers have found that children taught in their mother tongue grasp concepts more effectively. Children need both the quantity and quality of language input to develop strong language skills, and parents are the primary providers of this input in the mother language.
As a language dies, a society’s history and culture die with it. Every human being deserves the right to use their mother language and to take pride in it. Increasing acceptance and opportunities provided by universities have encouraged many students to explore their mother tongue more deeply.
Original ideas often emerge most naturally in one’s own mother language. Due to the ease of thought and expression, new and creative ideas take shape more effectively in the language one knows best.
Using the mother tongue at home helps children feel comfortable with their cultural identity. It is especially important for Indian children living abroad to learn and respect their mother language, and this is possible only when parents inculcate this habit from early childhood.
There are also instances where people migrating to countries such as the United States from different linguistic regions of India may choose to study Hindi even if it is not their mother tongue. Within India, linguistic and cultural diversity must be valued and respected by institutions and society alike. Owing to the country’s inherent diversity, most communities already demonstrate an implicit acceptance of pluralism.
It is our collective duty and responsibility to preserve our mother languages and pass them down from generation to generation.
