Amed to host activities for International Mother Language Day

A number of actions and activities are planned and will start today. As part of the program prepared by the Mesopotamia Language, Culture and Research Association (MED-DER), labels in Kurdish for fruit and vegetables will be distributed at the market in Bağlar today. Within the scope of the program, which will continue until February 23, a series of events such as press statements, panels and music concerts will be held.

Rıfat Ronî said that the main demand of the Kurdish people is to receive education in their mother tongue from primary school to university, and added that millions of Kurdish children are still denied this right. “Millions of Kurds live in this country and there are millions of students. However, the number of Kurdish teachers is so small.” Pointing out that the Kurds have been fighting for education in their mother tongue for years, Ronî stated that their demand was ignored.

Importance of language

Stating that language is the “foundation and pillar” of a nation, Ronî warned that the Kurdish language is still in danger and called on mothers and fathers to be “a school for their children. Speak Kurdish with your children. Think, speak and write in Kurdish everywhere in life. Because what keeps a language alive is speaking and sharing it in life.”

The calendar of the events to be held in Diyarbakır as part of the 21 February International Mother Language Day has been announced.

The program of actions and activities to be held in Diyarbakır within the scope of 21 February International Mother Language Day has been announced. The activities promoted by the Mesopotamia Language Culture and Research Association (MED-DER) are as follows:

“* 17 February: Kurdish labels for fruit and vegetable will be distributed in Yeni Hal in Bağlar. (15.30)

* February 18: Kurdish fruit and vegetable labels will be distributed at the Friday market in Yenişehir. (15.30)

* February 19: MED-DER and the Kurdish Literature Association will hold an event at Demirok Wedding Hall in Bağlar.

* February 20: A press statement will be made in Dağkapı Square by the Kurdish Language Network and the Labor and Democracy Platform. (13.00)

* February 20: Eğitim Sen (Education trade union) will hold a panel on language. (15.00)

* February 21: The Kurdish Language Platform will organize a language program at Demir Hotel with the participation of civil society organizations.

* February 21: A panel on language will be held at Tahir Elçi Conference Hall by Diyarbakır Bar Association. (17.30)

* February 22: A language event will be held at the Kurdish Literature Association.

* February 23: A stand-up and music event will be held at Amed City Theater promoted by Eğitim Sen. (18.30)”