This February 21 marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
International Mother Language Day highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and the right to learn in one's native language. As languages are central to education and cultural identity, the day serves as a reminder of the need to preserve and support mother tongues, particularly those at risk of disappearing. According to UNESCO, societies can ensure better learning outcomes through multilingual education, as students grasp concepts more effectively when taught in a language they understand.
Let’s explore how public, academic and school libraries can promote the ideals of International Mother Language Day by providing access to resources in multiple languages, by supporting Indigenous librarianship, and by embracing the right digital tools.
Libraries are pillars of equality
Libraries are uniquely positioned to promote linguistic diversity. In a truly democratic society, public libraries serve not only as centers for lifelong learning but also as pillars of equality, welcoming individuals of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, gender identities and abilities.
As Matt Finch, an Associate Fellow of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, states, "[L]ibraries are innately subversive institutions born of the radical notion that every single member of society deserves free, high-quality access to knowledge and culture.”
The American Library Association (ALA) expands on this principle in its Policy Manual, emphasizing the importance of equitable access:
ALA recognizes the critical need for access to library and information resources, services, and technologies by all people, especially those who may experience language or literacy-related barriers; economic distress; cultural or social isolation; physical or attitudinal barriers; racism; discrimination on the basis of appearance, ethnicity, immigrant status, religious background, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression; or barriers to equal education, employment, and housing.
Likewise, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) reinforces this commitment in its Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom, affirming that "Libraries shall make materials, facilities and services equally accessible to all users. There shall be no discrimination due to race, creed, gender, age or for any other reason."
Indigenous voices are essential
International Mother Language Day isn't the only United Nations initiative in support of linguistic diversity.
In 2019, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the period 2022–2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, "to draw attention to the critical loss of Indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalize and promote Indigenous languages and to take urgent steps at the national and international levels".
Here's what UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay had to say about the importance of the voices — and languages — of Indigenous communities:
We know that Indigenous voices are essential for promoting cultural diversity, peace and gender equality. And yet these voices could be lost, as Indigenous languages — a vehicle for tending this relationship with the living world and each other — are in jeopardy.
Language enables cultural expression
UNESCO's Global Action Plan emphasizes that the ability and freedom to use one’s chosen language are fundamental to key values such as human dignity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
The plan also states:
Language, as a systematic form of communication which takes place in all human domains, facilitates people’s meaningful interactions with one another, enables cultural expressions in a variety of forms, as well as the transmission of centuries-long knowledge, history, world views, beliefs, and traditions, bequeathed from generation to generation, and contributes to the creation of economic value and benefits which lead to new employment opportunities, research and development, technology transfer and innovation.
Additionally, UNESCO urges all stakeholders to work toward greater awareness of linguistic diversity and multilingualism, along with advocating for legal recognition of Indigenous languages at all levels.
Libraries — whether public, academic, research or government institutions — play a crucial role not only in preserving languages but also in, as UNESCO states, "widening the functional scope of Indigenous languages in all socio-cultural, economic, environmental, [and] public domains."
Indigenous librarianship brings together traditional librarianship with Indigenous knowledge, theory and research methods. Kathleen Burns et al., as cited in the Encyclopedia of Library and Information Sciences, define it as "the provision of culturally relevant library and information collections and services by, for and with Indigenous people." Ensuring culturally safe learning environments is also essential to library service, creating spaces that welcome and support Indigenous cultural practices.
This aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which upholds Indigenous land rights, self-determination and the right to maintain and revitalize cultural traditions. As the declaration states, “This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artifacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature.”
Indigenous librarians in academic and public libraries play a vital role in preserving and promoting Indigenous knowledge, culture and history. They do so by building library collections that support Indigenous language revitalization, and by organizing language learning programs that encourage continued use and transmission of these languages.
A world of content for every patron
A digital news platform like PressReader can support libraries in promoting linguistic diversity by providing access to newspapers and magazines in multiple languages from around the world. By offering more than 7,000 titles from over 150 countries in more than 60 languages, PressReader enables libraries to serve diverse communities, ensuring that readers can stay informed and engaged with content in their native language. This access helps reinforce cultural identity and supports lifelong learning by making global perspectives readily available.
Additionally, PressReader’s digital platform allows libraries to overcome physical space limitations and provide multilingual content to patrons anytime, anywhere. With features like text-to-speech and translation tools, the platform enhances accessibility, making it easier for readers to engage with content in different languages.
Learning a new language fosters cultural awareness
Learning new languages supports the ideals of International Mother Language Day by fostering cross-cultural understanding, inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity. When individuals learn additional languages, they can explore unfamiliar perspectives and gain deeper insights into different cultures and traditions.
As Dan Jurafsky, a professor of linguistics at Stanford University, says:
We live in a very polarized time. Understanding what different groups of people say and why is the first step in determining how we can help bring people together.
Many libraries provide access to language learning resources such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone or Mango Languages to support library patrons in acquiring new languages. Other digital tools can also be helpful.
In a previous blog post, we highlighted various ways patrons use PressReader beyond just reading the news. We referenced Babbel blogger Thomas Moore Devlin's suggestion that language learners read news articles in their target language to reinforce their learning process.
"Once you’ve got the basics of grammar and vocabulary down," Devlin wrote, "you’re ready to start tackling more advanced material in your new language."
He specifically recommended PressReader as a resource, noting its extensive collection of newspapers and magazines in over 60 languages. "You can search through the publications by language and topic, so you can discover the news that fits your niche," he wrote.
Auto-Translate makes global content more accessible
Another useful approach is to take advantage of PressReader's translation features, which allow articles to be translated into more than 30 languages. This enables readers to compare the same content in multiple languages, further supporting their language learning journey.
Auto-Translate, for example, allows users to automatically translate full publications in Text View into their preferred language, making global content more accessible. Whether you want to read Le Figaro in English or Deutsche Welle in your native language, this tool removes language barriers with just a click.
Auto-Translate enhances the reading experience by providing access to high-quality international publications, helping users stay informed while traveling, and offering diverse global perspectives on current affairs, business, and politics. By enabling readers to engage with news directly from the source, it fosters a deeper understanding of different viewpoints and cultures.
Creating inclusive spaces for cultural exchange
Beyond offering resources — and digital news platforms — libraries do much more to create inclusive spaces for language learning and cultural exchange.
They host storytelling sessions, language workshops and community events that promote diversity and encourage knowledge sharing between community members.
By championing multilingual education and fostering appreciation for different languages, libraries are empowering diverse populations and contributing to more inclusive societies where linguistic heritage is valued and protected.
For more information on International Mother Language Day, please visit the UNESCO website.
