Language: Losing Our Mother Tongue

Language is not only a tool to get equipped with proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing, but also a means of communication which connects humans. It is a system that portrays a country's culture, heritage and emotions. Each country has its unique language, which distinguishes it from others. Through language, we express our thoughts and build relationships. Every language is a mirror of its values and principles. A mother tongue, like a mother, is at the first place whom a child hears and recognizes. Our mother tongue shapes our identity, influences our thinking and connects us to our roots.

However, with globalization and modernization, today's generation is losing touch and connection with their mother tongue. The much-spoken language, including English, has dominated the world, and the importance of the mother tongue is fading day by day. Speaking, reading and writing in other languages has surpassed the usage of the mother tongue in today's generation. Urbanization and migration also play an important role, as families move to different places where they are bound to adopt the language used in that region, thus leaving behind their mother tongue.

Children often look at their mother tongue to be less useful as compared to other languages. Furthermore, digital platforms and social networking platforms often operate in dominant languages, reinforcing the idea that success and modernity are linked to the way people post and speak in different languages.

Over time, it has been observed that children don't prefer to speak in their mother tongue; rather, they use the language which makes them sound more advanced and high-class. Many words have become extinct and are not heard in day-to-day life. Losing a mother tongue is not only a linguistic loss but also a cultural one. It is the responsibility of each one of us to preserve our native language in order to maintain our identity, uniqueness, culture, heritage and the rich diversity of human expression.

By
Roli Singh