Honouring Linguistic Diversity and Protecting Our Languages

By: Eugenia Kautotwa

UNESCO International Mother Language Day 2026, Khoekhoegowab  – Windhoek, Namibia

On 19-20 February 2026, Namibia joined the global community in celebrating International Mother Language Day in Windhoek. The event, which focused on the Khoekhoegowab language, was a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our linguistic heritage. The remarks of Her Excellency, Vice President Lucia Witbooi, delivered by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, her message was both heartfelt and strong: our languages are part of who we are, and we must protect them.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and to encourage multilingual education. This day highlights the importance of respecting all languages and ensuring that no culture is left behind. Language is not just a tool for communication. It carries our history, our traditions, our stories, and our values. It shapes our identity and connects us to our ancestors.

Namibia is proud to have more than twenty indigenous languages spoken across the country. This diversity is a national treasure. It is a strength that brings richness to our society. The Vice President stressed that no language is more important than another. Even though English is Namibia’s official language, chosen to unite the nation and connect us to the world, our indigenous languages remain central to our identity and development.

A key message of the speech was the importance of mother tongue education. Research shows that children learn best when they begin their education in a language they understand. Learning in the mother tongue builds confidence, improves understanding, and lays a strong foundation for literacy and lifelong learning. It ensures that no child is left behind because of a language barrier.

However, the Vice President also acknowledged the challenges facing some indigenous languages, including Khoekhoegowab. In some communities, there is a decline in the use of the language among young people. Some children are no longer interested in speaking the language of their grandparents. There are also limited teaching and learning materials and a shortage of trained language teachers. These are serious concerns that require practical solutions.

The Vice President gave special recognition to teachers. She described them as powerful influences in the lives of learners. Teachers shape young minds and help children understand their identity. They play a key role in promoting mother tongue education and cultural pride. Families were also encouraged to speak their languages at home and to share stories and traditions with their children.

Language is closely linked to indigenous knowledge systems. Knowledge about land, water, healing practices, and community life is carried through language. When a language disappears, that knowledge disappears as well. That is why it is important to document stories, record oral histories, and involve young people in preserving their heritage, as the vice president stated.

In conclusion, the Vice President called on all Namibians to renew their commitment to protecting and promoting their languages. Our languages are not relics of the past; they are living expressions of our identity. By protecting our languages, we protect our culture. And by protecting our culture, we protect our children and the future of Namibia.