Remarks by the President of the General Assembly,
Mr. Dennis Francis,
at the Observance of the International Mother Language Day
[As delivered]
21 February 2024
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Your Excellency Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations,
Distinguished colleagues at the head table,
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Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates and friends,
Thank you for your kind invitation to join you today ¨C to observe International Mother Language Day.
Allow me to express my appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh for organizing this event, as well as recognize Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵESCO¡¯s initiative in launching the celebration over 20-years ago.
To echo a well-known adage, “Language is the dress of thought.”
It not only connects us to the world around us but also imbues our experiences with meaning.
Indeed, language stands as the quintessential human trait, distinguishing us from other species. It enables us to transmit knowledge and wisdom across generations ¨C and to forge vibrant bonds among distinct cultures and civilizations.
At its core, language is a crucial tool for communication, understanding, and connection. And among the myriad languages in existence, one¡¯s mother tongue invariably holds particular cultural and anthropological significance for its speakers.
Our mother tongues tether us to our origins, instilling in us the cultural perspectives and traditions of our communities – of our ancestors.
Excellencies,
Across the globe, 6,000 languages are spoken ¨C each serving as the mother tongue for a distinct community; each a unique and irreplaceable part of our heritage.
Yet, this heritage is currently at risk. Over half of all languages are in danger of becoming extinct ¨C with indigenous languages facing the most threats amid the relentless forces of globalization.
The onus falls upon us to preserve and protect our rich linguistic heritage.
We can do this by encouraging our youth to take pride in their heritage and, more particularly, in their mother tongue ¨C and to speak it without shame or embarrassment.
Similarly, we must combat the racism and systemic discrimination that prevent parents and grandparents from indigenous and minority communities from passing their mother tongues on.
Excellencies,
With the phenomenal increase in migration and the growing popularity of international schools, the number of children learning in a language other than their mother tongue is rapidly increasing.
Yet, the role of the mother tongue in learning and understanding cannot be underestimated.
That is why it is so critical to integrate multilingual education into our curricula and to ensure that mother tongues are incorporated into emerging technologies and new learning tools.
This approach will not only aid in cultural preservation, but will also align with SDG4 ¨C which relates to inclusive and equitable quality education.
Indeed, the adoption of multilingual education will not only provide an academic advantage; it will also nurture truly global citizens, capable of navigating an increasingly complex world ¨C the heart of what we aim to achieve through education.
Moreover, multilingual education can be a powerful tool for empowering marginalized communities.
Empowering speakers of indigenous languages allows them to give voice ¨C more effectively ¨C to their needs and concerns.
By addressing those concerns, we can give life and meaning to our pledge to “leave no one behind.”
Excellencies,
Let me conclude by emphasizing that in celebrating International Mother Language Day, we not only acknowledge and indeed honor the rich mosaic of human civilization; a tapestry of human diversity and identities.
We are also fostering a deeper, more meaningful appreciation and respect for the varied human experiences and cultures that are integral aspects of our world.
On Mother Tongue Day 2024, please join me in celebrating humanity¡¯s rich civilizational and linguistic heritage.
Join me in committing to the preservation of a multicultural and multilingual world ¨C where our diversity is leveraged as a source of pride, and indeed, strength.
I thank you.