22/02/2024
FLI extended support to two indigenous language communities in northern Pakistan for celebration of International Mother Language Day on February 21. In Peshawar, the Dameli language speakers gathered to express their affection for their native language, arranged by Anjuman Taraqi Damia (ATD), a partner of FLI. The event, attended by teachers, writers, poets, and community activists, showcased a commitment to preserving and celebrating linguistic heritage.
Simultaneously, in the Indus Kohistan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the speakers of the Indus Kohistani language marked the day with fervor. The Initiative for People in Need (IPN), another partner of FLI, played a role in uniting the community for this commemoration. Participants from diverse backgrounds joined hands to celebrate the day.
Both events aligned with the global observance of International Mother Language Day on February 21, resonating with a shared vision for language preservation. Speakers emphasized the importance of using their language within their homes, highlighting the need for heightened community awareness. Advocating for language-centric policies, they called upon policymakers to actively support and promote their languages. Additionally, a unified call was made for the official recognition of their languages as national languages by respective governments. These gatherings served as expressive reminders of the enduring significance of linguistic diversity and the collective responsibility to safeguard it.
International Decade of Indigenous Languages
