Our Mother Tongue Is More Than Words — It’s Who We Are
Over the weekend, I shared a video that left me thinking deeply. In it, two young children were asked to complete a few Xhosa idioms. They struggled — unable to finish them or even recall the proverbs clearly. From the look of it, these kids were likely learning in Model C schools, where English is the primary medium of instruction. This, to me, was a glaring sign of a growing problem: too many young children today are losing touch with their own languages, in favor of English.
The reality is, many kids are now speaking English at home, especially in urban areas, and are often unable to speak their mother tongue. As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that, as parents, we’ve contributed to this shift. We’ve prioritized English, viewing it as the key to success and opportunity. While it’s true that the government is finally taking steps to address the decline of our vernacular languages, the truth is, it has taken them too long to realize the potential dangers of losing these languages — and by extension, our cultures and identities.
In my post, I made the point that you will never find an Afrikaner who can’t speak Afrikaans, no matter how globalized or economically successful they become. Similarly, the President of China, leading the world’s richest country, speaks his native language. The President of France does the same. These leaders, and many others around the world, understand that language is power, and the ability to preserve and use your mother tongue is a cornerstone of national identity and pride. But when I shared this viewpoint, some ridiculed it, dismissing it with comments like “zintoni zona ezo?” (what are those?), showing how deeply ingrained the mindset has become that English is superior.
Today, I want to expand on that belief — that knowing and preserving our mother tongue languages is crucial. It’s not just about communication; it’s about who we are, where we come from, and where we are going.
I believe that knowing and using your mother tongue is not just a right — it is a responsibility. It is the thread that ties us to our identity, our ancestors, and our future. In a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, where dominant languages often overpower smaller ones, holding onto your native language is an act of cultural survival.
For many people, the mother tongue is the first language they hear, the one in which lullabies are sung, stories are told, and family conversations are held. It’s the language of home. When a person loses touch with their mother tongue, they don’t just lose a method of communication — they lose a deep emotional and spiritual connection to who they are and where they come from.
We must not underestimate the power of language in preserving culture. A tribe that forgets its language is at risk of forgetting its songs, its stories, its rituals, and even its values. The knowledge of our elders — from traditional medicine to farming methods, from mythology to moral teachings — often lives in the mother tongue. Translating it into another language can strip it of its meaning and richness.
Some argue that using global languages like English, French, or Mandarin offers better economic opportunities. And yes, it’s important to be multilingual in today’s world. But being fluent in a global language shouldn’t come at the cost of abandoning our own. We can embrace the world without erasing ourselves.
There is also a matter of pride and dignity. Speaking your mother tongue, especially in public spaces or educational institutions, is an act of reclaiming your identity. It’s saying, “I come from somewhere. I have roots.” It tells the world that your culture matters, your people matter, and your history will not be forgotten.
Governments and schools have a role to play too. They must support mother tongue education, promote local languages in media, and protect linguistic rights. But it starts with us — in our homes, in our conversations, in how we raise our children.
If we do not pass our language on to the next generation, who will? If we don’t speak it, teach it, and live it, it will fade. And with it, a part of us will disappear.
Our mother tongue is more than just words. It is memory, identity, and legacy. Let’s not lose it. LET ME HEAR YOUR VIEW ABOUT THIS.
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