Celebrating Linguistic Diversity: UofL Hosts International Mother Language Day
Photo Caption:
Front row, seated (l-r): Dr. Sherri L. Wallace (IEEP), Dr. Monica Lakhwani (OIA), Amos Izerimana (OIA), Dr. Jahurul Karim (JCTC, Keynote Speaker)
Back row, standing (l-r): Dr. Samia Mathew (UofL, guest panelist), Asly Toro (guest soloist), the four student poetry contest winners (names purposely withheld), Huai Vung (Kentucky Refugee Ministries, guest panelist), Arianna Del Toro (Evolve502, guest panelist), and Dr. Patrick B. Litanga (UofL, guest panelist).
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By Dr. Sherri L. Wallace, A&S Associate Dean and Professor of Political Science
The College of Arts and Sciences Office of International, Engagement, and Equity Programs (IEEP) partnered with the Louisville Metro Government Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) to celebrate International Mother Language Day (IMLD) at the University Club & Alumni Center on February 20, 2025. The purpose of IMLD is to highlight the significance of linguistic diversity, its link to cultural heritage, and the importance of language preservation among citizens, immigrants, refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers across the world. On November 17, 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the IMLD global observance on February 21, 2025, to commemorate the Language Movement in Bangladesh that took place on February 21, 1952. With the Theme for 2025, "Languages Matter: The Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day," our partnership on this event was a tremendous success with attendees from the campus and community!
Dr. Jahurul Jarim, the keynote speaker, informed the audience that 7,139 languages are officially known or spoken in the world; however, only 40% of these languages have less than 1000 speakers, and many are not part of the any school curriculum, which puts them at risk for extinction. His short presentation also highlighted the origins of the mother tongue movement in Bangladesh and how it evolved to become a global celebration. He noted how the significance of IMLD to promote and preserve one’s language and culture directly intertwines and connects to Black History Month (February)—which celebrates the contributions, achievements, and culture of Black people across the African Diaspora, while promoting awareness and understanding of the struggles and triumphs of Black communities throughout history—in that “both [celebrations] emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting different cultures, histories, and contributions to global society.”
Featured on our local, yet globally diverse, program were remarks by A&S College Dean Dayna Touron, a performance by the Nepali Dance Group, an international video performance by a student poetry contest winner in Bataan, Philippines, an acapella performance by Asly Toro (native: Venezuela), the keynote by Dr. Jahurul Karim (native: Bangladesh) from Jefferson Community & Technical College, poetry readings from student contest winners (Grades 9-12) from Jefferson County Public Schools and Assumption High School, a guest panel moderator Paige Enlow (UofL, English) and guest panelists: Arianna Del Toro (Evlolve502), Dr. Patrick B. Litanga (UofL, Political Science), Dr. Samia Mathew (UofL, Classical and Modern Languages), and Huai Vung (Kentucky Refugee Ministries). The panelists shared their stories of how their mother tongue shaped their identities, knowledge, and connection to their cultural heritages, traditions, and ancestry. They also spoke about the challenges they face when trying to maintain fluency in their mother language in diverse and different environments. All panelists agreed that being bi- or multi-lingual has positively influenced their global interconnectedness with people across the world, the ultimate goal.
A BIG THANK YOU goes to Dr. Monica Lakhwani (OIA) and LaRee Shontee (A&S IEEP), who jointly spearheaded organizing the event. We thank our program sponsors and partners for your impactful contributions: Vice President's Office of Community Engagement, The Department of Classical and Modern Languages, The Cultural and Equity Student Success Center, the International Center, and the University Writing Center (the latter two also tabled at the event). Also, we thank our partners who graciously tabled at the event: Americana World Community Center, The Somali Community of Louisville, the Louisville Free Public Library and Actors Theatre of Louisville. We appreciate you all, immensely!
Finally, IEEP and OIA collaborated on a short booklet, "Legacy in Language: A Celebration of Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Heritage," to educate the public on understanding mother languages or mother tongues and why “language justice” matters in Louisville, KY, with its diverse linguistic landscape. This booklet is available from our respective offices. Please contact us to receive a copy.