KNK: “Language is the identity of peoples”

The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Language, Culture and Education Commission issued a written statement on the occasion of 21 February International Mother Language Day.

The statement said that “most days of the year are dedicated to religious, social, historical and political meanings and memories. 21 February is dedicated to mother languages all over the world, and every nation celebrates this day in its own unique and different ways.”

The KNK drew attention to the danger posed to the Kurdish language, which is heavily attacked as the aim of the pressure carried out by Turkish, Persian and Arab states aimed at destroying it. The Kurdish language, said the KNK, played an important role in the construction of civilization and the development of world culture.

“The KNK calls on all language, cultural and educational institutions in Kurdistan to use 21 February, International Mother Language Day, as a tool to raise their voices against the oppression and persecution of their own language. They should use this day to inform international organizations about oppression and threats against language. Language is the only tool for communication between people and nations. This definition is correct. Language is the identity of peoples. Peoples without language are people who cannot exist! Peoples can know themselves and their culture through their mother tongue.”