STORY: International Mother Language Day marked in Ethiopia with call for multilingualism
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 20, 2025
DATELINE: Feb. 22, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:44
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ABOUBAKRI DIAW, Chief of staff at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ABDOULAYE SALIFOU, Education program specialist at the UNESCO Liaison Office with the African Union (AU) and UNECA
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): HE YOULIN, Deputy head of the Chinese Mission to the AU

STORYLINE:

Experts and policymakers in Ethiopia have called for redoubling concerted efforts in promoting linguistic diversity and multilingualism during a celebration observing International Mother Language Day.

On Thursday, a special event was held at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, under the theme "Languages Matter: Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day."

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ABOUBAKRI DIAW, Chief of staff at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
"This year, 25 years after UNESCO first proclaimed the International Mother Language Day, reaffirming the importance of linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and the preservation of indigenous languages, the celebration provides a unique opportunity to take stock of the progress made in promoting multilingual education, recognizing the power of languages to bring individuals, peoples, and nations together. This year's theme highlights the progress made in preserving languages over the years, and supports the efforts being made worldwide to further protect endangered languages and promote cultural heritage. It reminds us of the importance of mother tongues."

Data from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) showed that around 40 percent of the estimated 8,324 languages worldwide are at risk of disappearing.

Abdoulaye Salifou, education program specialist at the UNESCO Liaison Office with the African Union (AU) and UNECA, highlighted the importance of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity as well as the crucial role of mother language in education, communication, culture, and science.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ABDOULAYE SALIFOU, Education program specialist at the UNESCO Liaison Office with the African Union (AU) and UNECA
"Languages are more than just a tool of communication. They are the essence of culture, history, and identity. The International Mother Language Day highlights the importance of preserving endangered languages, promoting multilingualism, and fostering respect for all languages."

He Youlin, deputy head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, emphasized that the international community has an urgent responsibility to preserve and protect "precious" language resources.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): HE YOULIN, Deputy head of the Chinese Mission to the AU
"With the support and promotion of the United Nations, the international community has made remarkable achievements in protecting mother languages and protecting language diversity. However, in this globalized world, many languages are still at risk of disappearing. The disappearance of a language means the loss of the culture, traditions, and the wisdom associated with it."

International Mother Language Day, initially proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, is observed annually on Feb. 21.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)