Integration Council of the City of Bocholt supports promotion of bilingualism

On the occasion of Mother Tongue Day on February 21, 2022, the Integration Council of the City of Bocholt once again calls for the consistent promotion of the potential of children and young people in their natural bilingualism. "By promoting the natural resources of people with international family histories, we are shaping a society that is fit for the future," emphasizes the chairman of the Integration Council of the City of Bocholt, Juan Lopez Casanava.

"It is essential to strengthen children and young people with international family histories holistically in their personality development. The key to this is to focus positively on their identity of origin. This can be achieved in a very concrete way by promoting natural bilingualism. In this way, we can not only strengthen individuals, but also counter ideologies of inequality and racism. Ultimately, society as a whole benefits."

UNESCO also emphasizes the social benefits of linguistic diversity. According to it, it is a fundamental factor "in building and sustaining inclusive, open, diverse and participatory knowledge societies. Through languages, information and knowledge are transmitted, promoting prosperity, social change and sustainable development." This is because every language contains different perspectives, ideas and experiences that can be creatively used in a wide variety of subject areas, it says. Innovations that grow out of linguistic, intercultural diversity not only "promote our equal coexistence in diversity, but also interaction on a global level."

More info at www.unesco.de/kultur-und-natur/kulturelle-vielfalt/21-februar-ist-internationaler-tag-der-muttersprache.