Today is International Mother Language Day, a day that celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity throughout the world. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many languages are spoken globally, it’s safe to say that there are thousands. I’m admittedly a bit of a language nerd, but isn’t it cool to think that every day there are conversations, thoughts, and writing happening in thousands of unique languages?
A big part of International Mother Language Day involves celebrating some of the lesser-known languages. Did you know that U.S. territories Samoa and Guam have their own languages (Samoan and Chamorro, respectively) that are spoken in addition to English? I’m fascinated by Chamicuro, an indigenous language that is spoken by only 8 people in Peru – it’s amazing to think that language is so important to our identities that this small group of people have kept it alive.
Of course one of the easiest ways to celebrate your native language is to read! After all, we wouldn’t have our favorite stories if not for language. So whether you pick up The Little Prince, Le Petit Prince, or El Principito today, take a few minutes to appreciate the language or languages that make you who you are!
Image: Flickr
