Today is International Mother tongue day.
Majority of Kenyans are however not aware of it.
According to UNESCO, the
day is set aside to promote ethnic languages and embrace cultural diversity.
In Canada, the day is marked as a public holiday while France holds a grand party in Paris to bring together diverse communities.
But in Kenya, it has been evident from responses that the day is not well known by many.
Most of those interviewed by the Star said they are not aware of the day.
Last week, renowned author Ngugi wa Thiong'o criticised teachers for punishing students who speak their mother tongue in school.
“The culture of teachers punishing their students for speaking their mother tongue must stop.
In fact, we should encourage them to express themselves in their mother tongue,” he said.
In a statement, UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay emphasised the need to embrace indigenous languages as a factor in development, peace and reconciliation.
The theme this year is 'indigenous languages as a factor in development, peace and reconciliation'.
"Many indigenous peoples continue to suffer from marginalization, discrimination and extreme poverty, and are the victims of human rights violations," he said.
He added, "On this day, I invite all UNESCO Member States, our partners and education stakeholders to recognise and enforce the rights of indigenous peoples."
Here are some of the responses we got from Kenyans:
Star:
Do you know that today Is International mother tongue day?
Tom: What is mother tongue day? or Did you mean Mother’s day?
Star: Happy International mother tongue day?
Peter: "What do you mean? Is it a new holiday that has been announced?"
Star: Do you know today Is International mother tongue day?
Ann: “Haiyaa (shocked), what is mother tongue day?”
Star: Do you know today Is International mother tongue day?
Jane “Are you sure of the question you are asking, what is Mother tongue day?”