Every year on February 21st, the world observes International Mother Language Day – a day dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity and raising awareness of the importance of preserving mother tongues. Language is more than just a means of communication; it is a cultural identity, a carrier of history and a foundation for cognitive and emotional development.
This blog post explores the significance of mother languages, their impact on childhood development and why it is crucial for every child to learn and live in their native tongue. We’ll also delve into scientific research, statistics and compelling facts that highlight the indispensable role of mother languages in education, cognition and social development.
What Is a Mother Language and Why Does It Matter?
A mother language (or mother tongue) is the first language a child learns from birth, typically spoken by their parents and community. It shapes how individuals think, express emotions and interact with the world.
The significance of a mother tongue goes beyond mere communication – it serves as:
- A cultural anchor, preserving traditions, history and heritage.
- A cognitive foundation, forming the basis of thought processes and intellectual development.
- A tool for emotional expression, allowing individuals to fully articulate their feelings and experiences.
- A bridge to learning, as education in one’s native language enhances comprehension and academic success.
The Importance of Learning and Living in One’s Mother Tongue
The ability to live and learn in one’s mother language is paramount for childhood development. Here’s why:
1. Early Childhood Development and Language Acquisition
From birth, babies are wired to learn language. Studies show that infants recognise and respond to their mother tongue even before birth. Research from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) confirms that newborns distinguish their mother language from other languages immediately after birth, indicating its deep neurological roots.
Key Benefits of Mother Language Acquisition in Early Childhood:
- Stronger Cognitive Abilities – Learning in a familiar language enhances memory, problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- Emotional Security – Children feel more confident and secure when they communicate in their mother tongue.
- Faster Learning – Comprehension and retention rates are significantly higher in a child’s native language compared to a second or third language.
2. The Science Behind Mother Tongue Education
Decades of research have proven that children learn best in their first language. A 2016 UNESCO report on education states that students who receive instruction in their mother tongue for at least the first six years of schooling perform significantly better academically than those who are forced to learn in a second language.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Mother Tongue Education:
- A 2018 study by the University of Stanford found that bilingual children who first learned to read in their mother tongue developed stronger literacy skills in other languages as well.
- The World Bank reports that students taught in their native language are 30-50% more likely to succeed in primary school.
- Research from the National Literacy Trust indicates that multilingual children who develop strong mother tongue skills have higher academic achievement and better cognitive flexibility.
3. The Psychological and Emotional Impact of Language Loss
When children are denied the right to learn in their mother tongue, the consequences can be severe:
- Reduced Self-Confidence – Struggling to learn in an unfamiliar language can make children feel inadequate.
- Limited Cognitive Growth – A second language often lacks the deep emotional and conceptual connection that a mother tongue provides.
- Cultural Disconnection – Losing a mother language can lead to a loss of identity and cultural belonging.
Mother Language vs. Second Language Learning: What Do the Statistics Say?
Several studies highlight the stark differences in learning outcomes based on language instruction:
- In Ethiopia, primary students taught in their mother tongue scored higher in reading comprehension than those learning in English or French (UNESCO, 2019).
- In South Africa, students learning in a second language are two years behind their peers who receive instruction in their mother tongue (World Bank, 2021).
- A study in the Philippines showed that when primary education was provided in local languages, dropout rates decreased by 40%, and student performance improved by 30%.
These statistics underscore the urgent need to support mother tongue education globally.
The Global Responsibility to Preserve All Languages
More than 40% of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of disappearing within the next century, according to UNESCO. Every language, no matter how small the community that speaks it, represents a unique worldview, rich traditions and invaluable knowledge.
Why Every Language Matters:
- Cultural Heritage – Each language carries centuries of wisdom, history and identity.
- Biodiversity Knowledge – Indigenous languages often contain unique knowledge about the environment, plants and medicine.
- Linguistic Diversity – Multilingual societies are more innovative, adaptable and resilient.
Preserving mother languages ensures that future generations have access to their cultural and intellectual heritage.
How Can You Promote Mother Language Awareness?
Celebrating International Mother Language Day is a great way to raise awareness and take action. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Encourage Mother Tongue Education – Advocate for policies that promote education in local languages.
- Support Language Preservation Projects – Contribute to organisations working to document and revitalise endangered languages.
- Learn and Teach – If you speak a minority language, pass it on to younger generations.
- Celebrate Linguistic Diversity – Engage in cultural events, share stories and participate in language appreciation initiatives.
- Use Your Mother Language Proudly – Whether through writing, speaking or social media, every use of your language helps preserve it.
Final Thoughts: A World Rich in Languages is a World Rich in Knowledge
Language is the foundation of who we are – it shapes our identity, our history and our understanding of the world. Ensuring that every child has the right to learn and live in their mother tongue is not just a linguistic issue – it is a fundamental human right. As we celebrate International Mother Language Day, let us remember that every language matters and we all have a role to play in preserving the linguistic richness of our world.