Languages help us share ideas, build relationships and pass knowledge between generations. Spoken, written and signed languages also connect people with their histories and communities. A person may use different languages at home, at school and with friends, each serving a different purpose.
Why it matters
When people are pressured to stop using a language, communities can lose ways of sharing culture and knowledge. Education that respects learners’ languages can help them take part more fully. UNESCO’s language education resources explore this work. Living Languages supports community-led language work in Australia.
Take action
Celebrate the languages around you by learning from their speakers and signers. You could organize a language exchange or share stories with permission. International Mother Language Day offers one opportunity to get involved. Let communities decide how their languages and knowledge are taught, recorded and shared. Explore more International Days to connect language and culture.
The limit of my language means the limits of my world.