Celebrating Diversity this International Mother Language Day

 

Every day has something to celebrate if you look for it. And if you prefer not to search, the internet offers various observances for almost every day of the year. I am particularly drawn to fun observances that honor our differences and promote unity and love. When I discovered that February 21 is International Mother Language Day, I wanted to learn more about it. This day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and cultural heritage. It pays tribute to the languages that are integral to our identities, cultures, and traditions.

While this day may seem more relevant to those who speak multiple languages or have a strong cultural connection to their mother language, it still holds value for native English speakers who may not know any other languages. It serves as an opportunity to learn about the importance of language in shaping cultures and identities. Additionally, it helps raise awareness of the challenges faced by speakers of minority languages and encourages support for language preservation efforts.

Unfortunately, as I reflect on this issue, I can't help but notice how many people from my country have avoided passing on their mother tongues. I once met someone who specifically instructed not to speak to her children in Luganda. As a result, these teenagers, who have grown up in Uganda, cannot speak any of their ethnic languages. In contrast, I've also encountered a family living in the diaspora that requires anyone who enters their home to use Luganda as the language of communication. The Baganda people are known for their politeness and adherence to formalities when addressing elders. During a recent visit to this family, the head of the household corrected me when I answered his call by simply saying "yes" instead of "yes, sir." I accepted his feedback gracefully, and I appreciate his dedication to preserving his culture as it is passed on to his children. If we do not have more individuals like him, our languages face the risk of disappearing. Over time, as fewer people become fluent speakers, the loss of these languages would mean a significant loss of cultural heritage and the erosion of our identities.

The relationship between language and perception is complex, and research suggests that languages can influence how we perceive the world. Even if you don't speak another language, this day presents an opportunity to reflect on how your language shapes your worldview, cultural heritage, and sense of belonging. We can support language preservation by learning a minority language, speaking our mother tongue, teaching children their ethnic language, or supporting language documentation projects. At the beginning of this year, I embarked on a journey to refamiliarize myself with French. I often find myself wishing I had delved deeper into language studies during my school years. If only someone had taken the time to inspire me with a passionate pep talk about the countless benefits of mastering other languages! The excitement of connecting with diverse cultures and opening doors to new opportunities could have sparked my interest. However, the silver lining is that it's never too late to embark on this journey of learning. Each new word learned is a step toward a richer, more colorful world awaiting exploration.

I believe that there is strength in diversity, and our mother tongue can be a significant asset in shaping our identities and mental faculties. This International Mother Language Day, I hope we can come together to recognize the vital role that languages play in shaping our lives and communities. By celebrating our linguistic heritage, we not only honor our personal histories but also foster a deeper understanding and respect for one another. Let us embrace our unique languages as tools of connection that enrich our shared experiences and empower us to build a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Be Kind: It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week

 

Have you ever wondered what it means to leave a lasting impact on those around you? For me, it means embodying kindness in everything I do and that is why I was thrilled to learn that the second week of February is Random Acts of Kindness Week. It was started in 1995 by Will Glennon, a philanthropist and kindness advocate. After reading a newspaper article, he was struck by the idea that small, selfless acts of kindness could profoundly impact individuals and communities. He launched a national campaign to promote and encourage people to practice random acts of kindness daily.

Since then, Random Acts of Kindness Week has blossomed into a global movement celebrated in over twenty countries, with millions participating in kindness activities yearly. Different cultures celebrate kindness uniquely, from communal gatherings to personal gestures reflecting their values. In my culture, the Baganda from Uganda, kindness equates to what we call  "obuntu bulamu," which means being considerate of others and treating them as we wish to be treated.

Kindness is something that feels natural to me, and I’ve seen firsthand how much it can brighten someone’s day. When you show kindness, it not only lifts the spirits of the person receiving it but also boosts your own self-esteem. It’s amazing how a simple act can make us all feel more connected, like we’re part of a community. Plus, those warm fuzzy feelings we get from being kind can seriously increase our happiness by releasing those "feel-good" hormones. I remember a beautiful example of this happening in a prayer group I'm part of. An anonymous person decided to bless five single mothers in the group, and hearing their heartfelt gratitude really touched everyone. It didn't just stop there; it inspired other members to step up and do something similar. It turned into a chain reaction of kindness, where everyone tried to uplift one another. Moments like these remind me how much of a positive impact we can have, not just on the individuals we help, but on our whole community. It’s all about spreading that good energy!

While Random Acts of Kindness Week offers a wonderful opportunity to emphasize the importance of kindness, it's essential to integrate it into our daily lives. Making kindness a lifestyle choice can lead to lasting change, as demonstrated by Bhutan's concept of "Gross National Happiness," which prioritizes compassion and kindness on a national level and as a result their life expectancy is 72 years.

And you know, acts of kindness don’t always have to be big or take a lot of time. When I think back, it’s often the little things that really stick with me—like when a child gives me a random hug just when I need it. It’s those simple moments that can really brighten your day! This week let’s spread kindness by doing at least one random act each day, like writing a nice note, picking up a stranger’s meal, or showing gratitude to someone who helps us. Together, we can inspire a lasting culture of kindness!

Let’s see how many smiles we can create!

Spreading the Love: Valentine's Day Traditions and More

 

Roses are red, violets are blue, and Valentine's Day is a week away from Friday! This special day is not just a time for romantic gestures; it's a celebration of love in all forms, whether for friends, family, or others who hold a special place in our hearts.

In Uganda, Valentine’s Day took root thanks to a 1990's radio presenter Peter Ssematimba who having lived in America, who said he was drawn to its romantic nature. He not only popularized it but also sold it as a lovers' day or for those in long-term relationships. Since then, it has grown, and the city of Kampala is almost always painted red on this day.

It was interesting to learn that Valentine's Day has a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. Here are a few interesting facts:

§  February 14 was a holiday in ancient Rome to honor Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses.

§  According to Christian tradition, St. Valentine was a priest who lived in Rome during the 3rd century AD and was known for performing secret marriages for couples in love when such unions were prohibited.

§  The French poet Geoffrey Chaucer first linked St. Valentine's Day with courtly love in his poem "Parlement of Foules" in 1382, establishing a connection that has influenced how we celebrate today.

§  The traditions of Valentine's Day vary widely around the world. For example, in Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated on two different days: February 14 and March 14. On February 14, women give gifts to men, often chocolate, while on March 14, known as "White Day," men return the favor with gifts, often reciprocal chocolate or other treats.

§  In South Korea, Valentine's Day and White Day are celebrated similarly, but April 14 is known as Black Day. On this day, single people gather to mourn their status with a meal of black noodles.

§  The tradition of giving roses on Valentine's Day began in the 17th century when roses became symbols of love and passion.

§  Along with roses, gifts have diversified over the years. Nowadays, people exchange various gifts, from heartfelt cards to unique experiences like cooking classes, spa days, or weekend getaways.

§  The first box of chocolates specifically produced for Valentine's Day was created by Richard Cadbury in 1861 (Note to self: look up if Cadbury chocolates are named after this 17th-century dude), and chocolates remain a popular gift even today.

 Today, especially on this side of the ocean(grateful), the focus has also shifted toward creating personalized gifts that reflect one's unique relationship, such as handmade crafts or custom experiences.

With that information in mind, hope as Valentine's Day approaches, it's an excellent opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms. Perhaps you can write a heartwarming note to a friend, spend quality time with family, or show appreciation for someone who makes your life brighter. So, this Valentine's Day, let's remember that love is a universal language transcending borders, cultures, and time. It has the power to uplift and transform lives. How will you express your love this year?