A teacher in Kati, Mali instructs her class. Photo credit: Dana Schmidt
February 21, 2013 marks International Mother Language Day! To celebrate its 14th anniversary, USAID recognizes education and literacy programs operated by our missions around the globe. There are more than 6,000 languages in the world and 50 percent of them are dying. International Mother Language Day not only promotes linguistic and cultural diversity, it brings attention a need to preserve it.
Learning in a mother language (first language) is incredibly important to children’s development and education. It improves school outcomes, reduces repetition and reduces dropout. Children who are educated in their mother tongue are significantly more likely to be enrolled and attend school. Additionally, children learn to read faster if they speak the language of instruction, because they already have vocabulary, knowledge of the construction of the language and the ability to pronounce the sounds of the language.
Join the conversation on Twitter (@USAIDEducation) and use hashtag #MotherLanguage Day!
In Uganda, a teacher helps a student in front of the class. Photo credit: Dana Schmidt
