Institutions from across the country gathered to commemorate International Mother Language Day (IMLD). Themed “Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development,” the event united students, linguists, and language advocates in a common commitment to preserving indigenous languages as essential pillars of cultural identity and development.
The celebration highlighted the importance of mother tongues in education, communication and heritage preservation. A key participant was the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), a faith-based organization dedicated to helping communities thrive through the languages they hold dear. SIL believes that access to information in one’s native language is a fundamental right that enables individuals to participate fully in society.
With a global reach, SIL has positively impacted communities by providing linguistic research, digital tools, and educational resources. Language has long been a cornerstone of African traditions, where elders once gathered around fires to share captivating tales of art, cuisine, and customs. These storytelling sessions were more than just entertainment-they nurtured young minds and instilled wisdom and cultural values.
In his address to the participants, Manasseh Wekundah, Director of Learning & Development at SIL Africa, emphasized the urgency of protecting indigenous languages. He noted the diminishing focus on these languages and applauded the Kenyan government’s commitment to protect them through progressive policies.
SIL is working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development to develop learning materials tailored to children who primarily speak indigenous languages. Wekundah warned that the loss of indigenous languages also means the loss of invaluable knowledge in areas such as agriculture, health care and the environment.
Kenya has made great strides in language preservation, with a policy that actively promotes indigenous languages. SIL, along with its partners, works with at least 21 language communities to ensure that their dialects remain vibrant and relevant in today’s world.
International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later endorsed by the UN General Assembly 25 years ago, is a global call to action to preserve linguistic diversity. This year’s celebrations, hosted by SIL Kenya and partner organizations, reaffirmed the critical role of mother tongues in promoting inclusion and sustainable development.
One of the standout moments of the event was a composition competition involving young students like Luciana Mreri from Ronald Gideon Ngala Primary School. Luciana expressed her excitement and gratitude, thrilled to have the opportunity to write in her indigenous language. She praised the organizers for encouraging students to embrace their linguistic heritage, proving that language is more than just words – it is a vital link to identity and culture.
Language is a bridge to knowledge, unity and progress. Kenya’s continued commitment to fostering indigenous languages not only preserves its cultural heritage, but also paves the way for inclusive and sustainable growth.
