International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity. 

The theme of the 2023 International Mother Language Day, “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education” 

Learn more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day  

Using the home language at home for children has several important benefits. Here are some of them: 

• Supports cognitive development: Using the home language at home helps children develop strong cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and problem-solving. Research shows that children who are fluent in their home language are better equipped to learn additional languages, and they perform better academically overall. 

• Promotes family bonding: Speaking the home language at home helps children feel a sense of belonging and connection to their family and cultural identity. It allows for more meaningful communication with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members who may not speak the majority language. 

• Preserves cultural heritage: Speaking the home language at home is a way to preserve cultural heritage and pass down traditions, values, and customs. It allows children to maintain a connection with their cultural roots and helps them develop a sense of pride and identity. 

• Increases self-esteem: Children who are encouraged to use their home language at home often have higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. Speaking the language of their parents and grandparents can help them feel more confident in their identity and cultural heritage. 

• Improves language proficiency: Consistently using the home language at home helps children become more proficient in that language. This can benefit them in the long term, as it can open up more opportunities for communication and employment in the future. 

In summary, using the home language at home for children is beneficial for their cognitive development, family bonding, cultural preservation, self-esteem, and language proficiency. It is an important way to support their overall well-being and future success. 

Keep your language alive – https://www.evelinalondon.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/community-slt-language-guide-bilingual.pdf