Every year on February 21, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day, established by UNESCO. Its goal is to promote linguistic diversity and remind us that every language is valuable.

According to UNESCO, there are about 7,000 languages worldwide, of which about 40% are threatened with extinction. This means that thousands of languages could disappear in the next few generations. With language, not only words disappear, but also memories, cultural experiences, traditions, and a particular way of thinking.

For people who have fled Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other countries, language is a particularly important issue. Moving to a new country means that they have to learn a new language in order to work, study, and integrate. In Germany, this is undoubtedly the German language—the key to unrestricted participation in society.

At the same time, Germany is a multilingual country. In addition to German, the languages of national minorities, regional languages, and dialects are also officially recognized here. Millions of people live in a multilingual environment every day. Multilingualism is considered a cultural, educational, and social resource.

That is why it is important not to lose one's native language when integrating into a new society.

The mother tongue is:

- a connection to one's homeland;

- an inner support in difficult times;

- a means of preserving identity;

- a bridge between generations.

Interestingly, in addition to natural languages, there are also artificially created international languages. The best known of these is Esperanto, which was created as an attempt to unite people of different cultures. There are also projects such as Interlingua and Volapük. They demonstrate humanity's quest for mutual understanding. However, no artificial system can replace a living language that has been passed down through generations.

What can be done to support your native language?

- Speak your native language at home.

- Read books and fairy tales to your children.

- Watch movies or listen to music in your native language.

- Create a “native language hour” in your family.

- Get involved in cultural events in your community.

Interestingly, alongside natural languages, there are also artificially created international languages. The most famous of these is Esperanto, created as an attempt to unite people of different cultures. There are also projects such as Interlingua and Volapük. They demonstrate humanity's desire for mutual understanding. However, no artificial system can replace a living language that has been shaped by generations.

Supporting your native language does not contradict integration. On the contrary, a person who stands confidently on their cultural ground finds it easier to build dialogue with others.

When we preserve our language, we preserve our history.

When we speak it, we leave our mark on the world.

And as long as our language is heard, our presence is heard.

Author of the compilation - Maryna Bets