Today marks International Mother Language Day, a day designated to celebrate mother tongues and promote multilingualism. In Afghanistan, however, since the Taliban`s return to power, linguistic diversity has come under greater threat than ever before.

According to Ansar News Agency, the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) issued a message on the occasion of International Mother Language Day warning of the growing threat to linguistic diversity worldwide.

The organization stated that as languages gradually disappear, humanity`s cultural heritage is also placed at risk. UNESCO emphasized that cultural and linguistic diversity is essential for building sustainable societies. In its view, languages play a key role in fostering tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

The organization`s statement notes that globally, approximately 40 percent of the population does not have access to education delivered in their mother tongue-a factor that exacerbates educational inequality.

Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, said in a message marking the day that linguistic diversity is a pillar of peace, dignity, and inclusion, and that no voice should be excluded from the shared story of humanity.

Suppression of Linguistic Diversity in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, as a multilingual and multicultural country, has long been regarded as a prominent example of linguistic diversity in the region. Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Uzbeki, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi, Nuristani, and dozens of other dialects are spoken across the country.

However, following the Taliban`s return to power in 2021, concerns about the future of this diversity have intensified.

Over the past three years, numerous reports have emerged regarding the removal and alteration of Persian-language signage in government institutions. At Balkh University, for example, portions of Persian-language signs were replaced with Pashto terminology-an action that triggered widespread reactions on social media.

Similarly, changes to directional signage and the removal of commonly used Persian terms at Herat Hospital drew public attention and criticism. Critics argue that these measures are not merely administrative adjustments but part of a broader policy of linguistic homogenization.

In several ministries and government offices, official correspondence is increasingly conducted in Pashto, and employees are reportedly required to use specific terminology. This is despite the fact that Persian (Dari) is one of the country`s two official languages and is spoken by millions of citizens.

Furthermore, restrictions on the production and publication of certain cultural and media content in various languages have raised concerns about the gradual weakening of local languages.

Cultural activists warn that the removal of linguistic symbols leads to the marginalization of cultural identities.

Consequences of Suppressing Linguistic Diversity

The suppression or weakening of linguistic diversity in Afghanistan could have profound long-term consequences. Language is not merely a tool of communication; it carries a society`s history, literature, collective memory, and system of values.

Experts believe that eliminating or restricting languages may deepen social divisions and intensify feelings of injustice among different ethnic groups. Such a trend undermines national cohesion.

In the field of education, neglecting students` mother tongues can reduce the quality of learning. Global research has demonstrated that primary education in one`s mother tongue strengthens children`s cognitive and academic foundations.

From a cultural perspective, the weakening of languages means the loss of poetry, oral literature, proverbs, and indigenous narratives-heritage formed over centuries and constituting a vital part of Afghanistan`s identity.

Politically, linguistic homogenization may limit citizens` participation in public processes, as segments of society may feel that their voices are not reflected in official structures.

Ultimately, International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder that protecting linguistic diversity is not only a cultural responsibility but also a necessity for sustainable peace and coexistence in Afghanistan-a country whose survival depends on accepting and respecting its historical and linguistic plurality.