Kurdistan Region President Affirms Commitment to Protecting Mother Languages on International Mother Language Day
In a statement released on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region, has reiterated the region's dedication to safeguarding and enhancing the Kurdish language, along with the mother tongues of all communities within Kurdistan. He emphasized the significance of preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, asserting the right to education and the promotion of mother tongue learning worldwide.
This annual observance, marked on February 21st, aims to raise awareness about linguistic and cultural diversity while celebrating multilingualism globally. The declaration of International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999, later endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores its importance in fostering intercultural understanding and peace.
Barzani's statement highlighted the invaluable service rendered by individuals committed to preserving the Kurdish language and the diverse linguistic landscape of Kurdistan. He lauded those continuing this noble endeavor, emphasizing the pivotal role of mother languages in shaping national and cultural identities.
له ڕۆژی جیهانیی زمانی دایکدا، جه‌خت له پاراستن و پێشخستنی زمانی کوردی و زمانى دايك بۆ هەموو پێكهاتەكان و بەهێزكردنی فرەچەشنیی زمان و كولتوورەكان لە كوردستان و مافی خوێندن و په‌روه‌رده و فێربوون و ئازادیی زمانی دایک له هه‌موو شوێنێکی سه‌ر زه‌وی، ده‌که‌ینه‌وه.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) February 21, 2024
له‌م ياده‌دا…
With over 6,500 languages spoken worldwide, Barzani's remarks shed light on the plight of many languages, with approximately 2,000 facing the risk of dwindling speaker populations. Among the most widely spoken languages, Mandarin Chinese stands out as the global leader, followed closely by Spanish, English, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Portuguese, Japanese, German, Russian, and French.
The spread of languages, Barzani noted, is influenced by historical events such as conquests, migrations, and religious diffusion. Economic factors also play a significant role, with languages like Mandarin and Hindi benefiting from the large populations of China and India, respectively.
The President's message underscores the vital role of language in shaping societies and fostering inclusive communities. As the world commemorates International Mother Language Day, efforts to preserve and promote linguistic diversity remain paramount in promoting mutual understanding and global harmony.
