Understanding linguistic diversity as an opportunity
Mother Tongue Day on 21 February: Integration Council and City of Bocholt join forces to promote multilingualism and heritage language teaching
To mark International Mother Tongue Day on 21 February, the Integration Council of the City of Bocholt and the City of Bocholt are committed to promoting multilingualism and heritage language teaching in all areas of education.
The Chairman of the Integration Council, Juan Lopez Casanava, and the First City Councillor, Björn Volmering, emphasise the importance of the mother tongue as a key to identity formation and as valuable potential for society.
"Promoting the mother tongue is an investment in the future. It not only strengthens the identity of children and young people with an international family history, but also makes a decisive contribution to their integration and educational success", explains Lopez Casanava. "The potential of these young people for society is enormous - multilingualism promotes cognitive abilities, creative thinking and intercultural skills, which are invaluable in a globalised world."
Multilingualism is an essential educational opportunity
The Integration Council therefore supports the demands of the State Integration Council to consistently implement the existing laws to promote multilingualism and to expand heritage language teaching throughout the state. "Children who speak several languages not only have a better memory and learn new languages more quickly, but also develop the ability to interact successfully in a diverse society", emphasises Lopez Casanava.
He emphasises that promoting multilingualism is not just a question of integration, but a key educational opportunity for all children and young people. "In our society, people with several languages are invaluable, as they are able to understand different cultures and build bridges between societies."
Multilingualism promotes dialogue, exchange and participation
Bocholt's First City Councillor Björn Volmering also emphasises the relevance of the topic: "Multilingualism is not only a key to educational success, but also a strength of our society. It promotes dialogue, intercultural exchange and social participation. The International Mother Language Day reminds us how important it is to promote this diversity and regard it as a valuable resource."
The city of Bocholt and the Integration Council are jointly committed to the nationwide expansion of native language teaching and an improvement in information and application procedures, particularly in the Borken district. "It is important to facilitate access to appropriate educational opportunities and to sensitise the public to the importance of multilingualism", emphasise Volmering and Lopez Casanava.
Background: Mother Language Day
The International Mother Language Day, which was launched by UNESCO in 1999, recognises linguistic diversity and promotes awareness of the importance of mother tongues. Pupils in Germany speak around 100 different languages. The city of Bocholt and the Integration Council are committed to promoting this diversity and recognising linguistic and cultural identity as an enrichment for society.