Education and Multilingualism

Education and Multilingualism
	“Everyone loses if one language is lost because then a nation and culture lose their memory, and so does the complex tapestry from which the world is woven and which makes the world an exciting place.” Former President of Iceland Vigdis Finnbogadottir UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Languages

Language is in more ways than one the expression of our cultural identity, for through it we transmit knowledge to future generations. We use language, moreover, as a storehouse for knowledge about our environment, history and science. With half of the world ’s 6000 to 7000 languages in danger of extinction, UNESCO created in 1999 International Mother Language Day which is now celebrated annually on February 21. The aim of the Day is to promote the recognition and practice of mother tongues, particularly minority ones.

Multilingualism is a condition of most Member States, and the unique richness of the world ’s national identities draws on the many traditions that make up different countries and are expressed through local and indigenous languages.


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