At DuoCards, we live and breathe languages. We believe every language tells a unique story, and International Mother Language Day is our favorite chapter. Ever wondered how many stories are woven into the tapestry of global tongues? Dive into our app and explore the diversity we offer. From the common to the rare, we’ve got you covered.
Did You Know the Origin of International Mother Language Day?
In 1952, students in what is now Bangladesh protested for their right to speak Bengali. Tragically, lives were lost, but their voices echoed through time, reminding us of the power of language in preserving identity. This fight for linguistic rights inspired UNESCO to declare February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999. Today, it celebrates the beauty of every language and the stories they tell.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Languages!
Sure, English, Chinese, Arabic, and French are major players, but did you know that approximately 7,151 languages are spoken worldwide? With so many languages out there, you might wonder how to start exploring them. Our app allows you to study more than 100 languages, which is amazing considering many of these languages are nearly extinct. UNESCO estimates that about 3,000 languages are endangered, meaning they have fewer than 3,000 speakers. Each of these languages holds unique cultural treasures that could be lost forever.
Let’s Dive into Some of the World’s Most Unique Languages
Smallest Languages in the World
- Njerep: Spoken by only four individuals in Nigeria, Njerep is one of the world’s smallest languages. It’s so rare that you probably haven’t heard of it until now!
- Lemerig: With only two speakers left, this language from Vanuatu is on the brink of extinction.
Languages That Are Bigger Than You Think
- Punjabi: Often overlooked, Punjabi is spoken by over 150 million people, primarily in Pakistan and India. It’s one of the ten most spoken languages in the world!
- Javanese: This language, primarily spoken on the island of Java in Indonesia, boasts around 82 million speakers.
- Telugu: With nearly 81 million speakers, Telugu is one of the major languages in India and has a rich cultural heritage.
The Curious Case of Unwritten Mother Languages
Some languages serve as a mother tongue but don’t have a written form. Imagine never being wrong at school and spelling everything however you want—sounds like a dream, right? This oral tradition keeps the language fluid and ever-evolving, but it also poses challenges for language learners. For example, Swiss German is spoken in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, but officially they learn standard German, and everyone writes Swiss German as they see fit. Other examples include various Afro-Asiatic languages spoken by nomadic groups and many others.
Constructed Languages: Dreaming Up Your Own Language
Ever heard of constructed languages or conlangs? These are languages that didn’t just evolve over time but were intentionally crafted by people with a vision. And guess what—these languages can even become mother tongues! Imagine parents raising their kids speaking Esperanto, a famous conlang. Why not embark on a new adventure and learn Esperanto with us?
Why Study Your Mother Tongue?
Some people study their mother language with DuoCards because they have a parent who didn’t teach them their mother tongue and decided to learn it themselves. Others want to connect with their cultural heritage, communicate better with family members, or pass the language on to their children. Learning your mother language can also open up new opportunities for travel, work, and friendships.
What About You? Do You Study Your Mother Language? What’s Your Story?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your story in the comments below or tag us on social media. Let’s celebrate the diversity of languages together!
