Every year, on February 21, International Mother Language Day is celebrated, a date proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote cultural diversity and multilingualism as fundamental values in the world. In Mexico, this celebration has a special meaning, since the country is one of the nations with the greatest linguistic diversity in the world. With more than 68 indigenous languages and 364 recognized variants, Mother Language Day is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities related to the preservation, revitalization and promotion of native languages in Mexican territory.
Origin of International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day has its origins in a tragic event that occurred in Bangladesh in 1952, when several students were killed during a demonstration demanding the recognition of Bengali as one of Pakistan's national languages. This act of resistance marked a milestone in the fight for linguistic and cultural rights, and in honour of this event, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day. The date seeks to raise awareness around the world about the importance of mother tongues as vehicles of identity, culture and knowledge.
The linguistic wealth of Mexico
Mexico is considered one of the megadiverse countries, not only for its biodiversity, but also for its cultural and linguistic richness. According to the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI), there are 68 linguistic groups in the country, which include languages such as Nahuatl, Mayan, Mixtec, Zapotec, Tzotzil, Purépecha and Otomi, among many others. Each of these languages has variants that reflect the cultural, historical and social particularities of the communities that speak them.
However, this wealth is under threat. According to INEGI data, more than 60% of indigenous language speakers are over 50 years old, indicating a significant risk of generational loss. In addition, many languages have fewer than 100 speakers, which puts them in critical danger of extinction.
Importance of preserving mother tongues
Mother tongues are much more than a means of communication; they are vehicles of traditions, stories, knowledge systems and ways of interpreting the world. In the Mexican context, native languages encapsulate centuries of ancestral wisdom related to agriculture, traditional medicine, astronomy and ecology. Losing a language does not only mean losing words, but also an entire worldview.
The disappearance of a language also has social and psychological implications. For communities, this can mean a loss of identity and a weakening of the social fabric. Furthermore, the marginalization of indigenous languages is often linked to economic and social inequalities, reinforcing cycles of poverty and exclusion.
Actions for the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages in Mexico
In recent decades, various initiatives have been implemented in Mexico to protect and promote indigenous languages. Some of the most notable include:
Legal framework
In 2003, the General Law on Linguistic Rights of Indigenous Peoples was enacted, which recognizes indigenous languages as national languages with the same validity as Spanish. This law establishes the right of communities to receive education and public services in their mother tongue, as well as to preserve and develop their linguistic traditions.
Bilingual and intercultural education
The Mexican education system has adopted a bilingual and intercultural approach in indigenous regions, promoting teaching in the mother tongue along with Spanish. Although there has been significant progress, challenges remain, such as the lack of adequate educational materials, teacher training and full recognition of the value of these languages in the education system.
Cultural production
In recent years, there has been a boom in cultural production in indigenous languages, from literature and music to film and theatre. Writers such as Natalia Toledo (Zapotec) and Mardonio Carballo (Nahuatl) have gained recognition for their works in native languages. Likewise, festivals such as the Festival of National Indigenous Languages (FLIN) celebrate and promote the linguistic diversity of the country.
Technology and digitalization
The use of technology has also been key in language revitalization efforts. Apps, digital platforms, and social media have enabled the creation of online dictionaries, learning courses, and multimedia content in indigenous languages. For example, Google and Microsoft have incorporated some Mexican languages into their translation and keyboard services.
Persistent challenges
Despite the progress, there are still numerous challenges in preserving and promoting mother tongues in Mexico. These include:
Stigmatization : Indigenous languages are often perceived as "less valuable" than Spanish, leading many speakers to abandon them in favor of monolingualism.
Migration : Migration of indigenous communities to urban areas or abroad can result in the loss of native languages.
Lack of resources : Insufficient financial and human resources for language revitalization projects limits the impact of existing initiatives.
Generational change : New generations are often less interested in learning and using their native languages, due to the influence of globalization and the media.
The importance of Mother Language Day in the Mexican context
International Mother Language Day is not just a commemorative date; it is a call to action to ensure that Mexico’s native languages not only survive, but thrive. It is an opportunity to reflect on the role of these languages in building a more inclusive and diverse society, as well as to recognize the intrinsic value of the cultures that sustain them.
In this context, February 21 is often marked by cultural, academic and artistic activities that seek to raise awareness among the population about the importance of mother tongues. From writing workshops in indigenous languages to exhibitions and conferences, these initiatives help to make linguistic diversity visible and foster greater respect for native cultures.
International Mother Language Day in Mexico is much more than a celebration; it is a reminder of the country's enormous cultural wealth and the need to protect it. Preserving indigenous languages is not only an act of historical justice, but also a strategy to build a more equitable and diverse future.
In an increasingly globalized world, mother tongues are a reminder that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. In Mexico's case, celebrating and preserving its native languages is a way to honor its past, strengthen its present, and ensure its future as one of the most culturally rich nations on the planet.