UNESCO Warns of Global Language Loss, Afghan Linguistic Diversity at Risk

DID Press: UNESCO issued a warning about the accelerating disappearance of languages worldwide, On the occasion of International Mother Language Day on February 21. The organization emphasized that linguistic diversity, a cornerstone of peace, human dignity, and social inclusion, is under serious threat.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Anany highlighted the vital role of youth in language preservation, stating, “No voice should be removed from the story of humanity.” The agency stressed that investment in multilingual education, particularly in early childhood, is crucial, noting that 40% of the global population still lacks access to education in their mother tongue.

Afghanistan, a multilingual country, faces heightened concerns over language erosion. Since the Taliban’s return to power, some languages have been increasingly marginalized. Reports indicate that Persian and Uzbek have been removed from official signs and documents in northern provinces, while Pashto has been prioritized. Examples include the removal of Persian from the signage of the Takhar Anti-Narcotics Directorate and the Abu Ali Sina Balkhi Specialized Clinic, as well as the alteration of Samangan University’s main sign to display only Pashto and English, instead of the previous four-language version.

These changes prompted domestic and international backlash, leading the Taliban leadership, under Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, to order a halt to modifications of multilingual signage in northern provinces to maintain “unity.”

UNESCO’s alert underscores the global and local stakes: without protective measures and youth engagement, minority languages in Afghanistan and worldwide risk gradual disappearance, along with the cultural heritage they carry.