Sarah and Cathy break through the language barrier in China—you can, too!

"Languages are not only an essential part of humanity's cultural heritage, but the irreducible expression of human creativity and of its great diversity."
~UNESCO Director-General Kochiro Matsuura [source]

Maasai women sing together in their native tongue, Maa.

Observed on February 21, International Mother Language Day promotes and celebrates linguistic diversity and multicultural education. There are nearly 6,000 languages spoken worldwide; half of these are in danger of extinction. It is important to ensure that we preserve all languages as unique expressions of culture and humanity. [source]

In Africa, governments often encourage the use of languages like English and French over local languages. When this happens, the existence of local languages is put at risk, threatening the colourful mosaic of traditional culture and community. [source]

Kenya

There are currently 61 languages spoken in Kenya. [source] Of those, English and Swahili are the official languages and are spoken by a majority of the population. Kenya has the fourth highest rate of language disappearance in the world and is considered a “crisis area.” [source]

Many ethnic languages are being lost due to more dominant and aggressive neighbouring languages. In some cases, parents deliberately choose not to pass on their traditional language in favour of one that provides greater political and socio-economic possibilities for their children. In Kenya, 16 languages are in danger of extinction, putting local culture and community at risk. [source]

Preserving local culture and heritage is an important part of helping revitalize and protect a language from being lost. In the Maasai Mara region, the traditional nomadic way of living of the Maasai people is being threatened with pressure to make their communal lands private. [source] Respecting and preserving the unique Maasai culture and lifestyle, which includes respecting communal land ownership, is essential to safeguarding their native tongue.

Economic pressures threaten languages as well. When poverty forces people to move away from their local communities, local culture suffers and language is threatened.

Take Action

Through the Adopt a Village campaign, Free The Children supports grassroots organizing of development projects in local communities, such as in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This creates stronger communities and culturally-appropriate development projects to help preserve traditional culture. In the Maasai Mara, strong partnerships with local leaders and communities ensure greater local support and cooperation in the creation of greater opportunities for children and families. To Adopt a Village in Kenya and support the Maasai people, visit www.freethechildren.com/adoptavillage.