Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026): Impact: Journal of Transformation

The papers selected for this special issue are drawn from the Mother Language Celebration, held on February 22–23, 2024, at Africa International University. The global theme for 2024 was “Multilingual Education, the Foundation of Learning.” This annual celebration is rooted in a long international history. In November 1999, UNESCO proclaimed International Mother Language Day. In its declaration, the United Nations General Assembly called upon member states to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world. Since February 2000, International Mother Language Day has been observed annually to promote linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism.

The choice of February 21 as International Mother Language Day commemorates a historic event in 1952, when students in Pakistan were killed while demonstrating for the recognition of Bangla as one of their national languages. The incident occurred in Dhaka, now the capital of Bangladesh, and remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for linguistic rights.

The global observance of Mother Language Day is grounded in the recognition that languages are vital instruments for preserving and developing both tangible and intangible heritage. Language carries culture, knowledge, identity, and values; therefore, promoting mother tongue education raises awareness of cultural diversity within and across nations. Appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity contributes to peace, solidarity, and social cohesion through understanding, tolerance, and dialogue.

In line with the 2024 theme, this special issue brings together papers that address key aspects of multilingual education. Two papers examine the role of phonology, while another focuses on challenges related to writing in multilingual contexts. One paper offers a cultural analysis of figurative language, another explores language attitudes across different dialectal regions, and the final paper highlights the importance of local ecology in mother tongue education.

Prof Helga Schroeder

Co-Editor of the special issue