February 14, 2011

FEBRUARY 21: INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY


Languages are essential to the identity of groups and individuals and to their peaceful coexistence. Only if multilingualism is fully accepted can all languages find their place in our globalized world. However, within the space of a few generations, more than 50% of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world may disappear. We must act now as a matter of urgency.

Did you know that there are between 6,000 and 7,000 languages in the world? Actually, there used to be more, but unfortunately, they have disappeared. We celebrate their day on February 21. The aim of this day is to promote linguistic diversity and multicultural education. In fact, many of the languages that are spoken today are in danger of extinction.

Here you can read about UNESCO's concern in either English, French, or Spanish. Pay attention to the last part, where you can see how the following sentence is said in the languages of the world:

IN THE GALAXY OF LANGUAGES, EVERY WORD IS A STAR

What can you do to take care of this galaxy? How many stars are there in your own sky?
What can you do for your own language? Write a list of things you can do to keep your mother tongue alive.

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