South Africans urged to learn each other’s languages

As the world marks International Mother Language Day, South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity is being celebrated. The Pan South African Language Board emphasises the importance of learning one another’s languages in the interest of nation-building.

The organisation says in a country with 12 official languages, including sign language, preserving language diversity is crucial.

Senior Provincial Manager at PanSALB, Lufuno Ndlovu, notes that while English is often linked to success, this mindset comes at a cost.

“In the spirit of nation-building, it’s important that we learn one another’s languages. Even the constitution of the country calls for multilingualism,” he said.

Ndlovu believes that the dominance of English is perpetuated by older generations, rather than the youth.

“Our parents link it to excellence, but in the process, we are losing our identity,” he added.

My language is my heritage, my identity, my pride. #isixhosa #InternationalMotherLanguageDay #worldmotherlanguageday https://t.co/4lprbLDLkR pic.twitter.com/4jC0B7APiT

— Dumza Maswana (@dumzamaswana) February 21, 2025

Today we are celebrating International Mother Language Day, which promotes the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity across the world! 🌍

What is your favourite word in your mother language? #internationalmotherlanguageday pic.twitter.com/1WOzXlah0V

— The Rotunda Hospital (@RotundaHospital) February 21, 2025

Premier @lesufi addresses the #InternationalMotherLanguageDay observance @unisa with @PukuBooks @IlifaLabantwana reflecting on how our mother-tongue language must begin at home but permeates all walks of life, it is worthy of support and protection. pic.twitter.com/BOjzW5xgey

— SA Booksellers (@SABooksellers) February 21, 2025

Cultural Expert, Dr Mpho Monareng, elaborated on the significance of mother languages in preserving African identity during an interview with Television news channel, Newzroom Afrika.

“The first way of destroying you is to attack your language and watch you shrink into somebody else. They will make you feel inferior with regards to that language,” he said.

Monareng emphasised the importance of language in shaping one’s worldview.

“The language you are introduced to the world with is the lens by which you see it. You’re going to use the language to make sense and understand what is being taught to you,” he added.

In South Africa, where there are 12 official languages, preserving language diversity is essential to promoting cultural diversity.

According to UNESCO, around 40% of languages worldwide are at risk of falling out of use and disappearing. This amounts to more than 8,000 languages. 

This is particularly concerning in Africa, where there are over 2 000 languages spoken.