Dear Editor,

Yearly, people worldwide join hands, hearts, and brains to celebrate International Mother Language Day which was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999. The first celebration occurred in 2000.

Inspired by the Bengali language movement, International Mother Language Day aims to protect languages from disappearing and promote the appreciation of the variety of languages spoken across the globe. The global celebration has its roots in the efforts to recognise and honour the struggles faced by those of us who are advocating for language rights and promotion and serves as an important reminder of the importance of linguistic diversity in promoting tolerance, respect, an understanding of and appreciation for diverse communities, and intercultural communicative competence.

The significance of International Mother Language Day is accentuated by the threat to linguistic diversity. A significant decrease in the number of languages across the world poses a challenge, with a constant decline every two weeks in indigenous languages. If this trend continues, the United Nations estimates that the world will be in serious trouble by 2050 regarding language endangerment. Already, 40 per cent of the global population lacks access to education in their native language, which calls into question our lagging approach in Jamaica to promote bilingual education at the early childhood level. The focus on multilingual education, primarily at the early childhood level, is viewed as an essential commitment to public life growth and sustainable development goals.

This year’s theme for International Mother Language Day 2024 is ‘Multilingual Education is a Pillar of Intergenerational Learning’. The theme suggests the vital role of languages in fostering inclusive education and preserving native languages.

Multilingual education (MLE) refers to the use of two or more languages as mediums of instruction. MLE is viewed as a crucial element for breaking down barriers between home and school, promoting effective learning, and ensuring equitable access to education for all. With majority of Jamaicans being bilingual but mainly creolophone speakers, policymakers and curriculum designers should ask themselves whether the exclusion of the Jamaican creole as an official language of instruction in the education system allows for inclusive education. How many children may know subject content in Jamaican creole but are penalised simply because they struggle to express themselves in Jamaican standard English?

We have come a far way in terms of our perception and acceptance of our native language — Jamaican patois. Jamaicans are even prouder people today, given that people worldwide of different generations are now watching the
Bob Marley: One Love film, which has dialogue in Jamaican patois. Undoubtedly, this will peak people’s interest in the language and culture. The point, however, is that we tend to be very selective and hypocritical about when and how we accept the use of Jamaican patois.

MLE is recognised as a pillar for intergenerational learning and cultural preservation, promoting inclusive societies and preserving non-dominant, minority, and indigenous languages. International Mother Language Day, therefore, serves as a call to action to address the challenges faced by linguistic diversity globally and underscores the benefits of using native languages in education, such as cognitive advantages, better academic performance, and better facilitation of English language acquisition.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com