Why Our Mother Language Matters
Every February 21st is observed by the UN as International Mother Language Day. It is a reminder of a matter that is deeply personal yet frequently overlooked: the language we first learned to speak, think, and feel in.
A mother language is more than just words; it carries our stories, traditions, and identities. It is the language in which we first understand love, comfort, and belonging. When children are encouraged to learn and express themselves in their mother language, they build confidence and a stronger sense of self. This foundation helps them learn other languages more effectively and communicate with fluency, clarity and pride. However, many languages around the world are at risk of disappearing. When a language is lost, we lose a way of understanding the world. Preserving our mother languages by speaking them, reading them, and passing them on is a shared responsibility.
In the EIS community, every language spoken at home represents a unique cultural treasure. When we use and respect these languages, we create an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. For school teachers and leaders, integrating multiple languages in small ways such as daily greetings or multilingual signs/displays can make learning more inclusive. For parents and grandparents, continuing conversations at home in the mother language strengthens family bonds and ensures cultural continuity. At EIS, the MYP3 Aqua students celebrated this occasion by having an assembly on Monday, February 23rd, for MYP1 and 2 students and teachers. They spoke on the importance of the mother language, and then engaged the students in several entertaining and educational activities like a Kahoot on regional languages, multilingual role-plays, mother language tongue twisters, and a Bollywood translation game followed by individual reflection on a few related questions.
From here on out, let us celebrate not just one day, but every day, by embracing the languages that shape who we are. In doing so, we will honour our roots while building a more inclusive and respectful future together.
