### Language as an identity: a call for action in the digital age
In a world where globalization and cultural standardization are advancing giant, the preservation of mother tongues asserts itself as a vital issue. It is in this context that Wikilinguila ASBL, in collaboration with Ceriseproduction, inaugurated the “Wiki for Mother Tongue” campaign in Kinshasa, celebrating the 25ᵉ anniversary of the International Language of the Material Language. This event is not limited to a discourse on the importance of African languages, it constitutes a real call for collective engagement for the safeguard of a precious but threatened heritage.
#### The importance of mother tongues in a connected world
Beyond their role as communication vehicles, mother tongues represent stories, cultures and identities. According to UNESCO, nearly 7,000 languages are spoken in the world today, a third of which is in the process of extinction. The fight for the survival of these languages is not only a question of cultural inheritance; It also affects human rights and the identity of communities. In a world where more than 4 billion people are connected to the Internet, the lack of representation of African languages on digital platforms aggravates their decline.
The “Wiki for Mother Tongue” campaign aims to reverse this trend. By expanding the presence of African languages on the internet, it throws a bridge between tradition and modernity. Indeed, a research carried out by the World Economic Forum has revealed that an active digital presence can strengthen local languages and cultures, thus encouraging young generations to enhance their cultural heritage while being in modernity.
#### Concrete initiatives to revitalize African languages
The scheduled activities, such as training workshops and conferences, are not only aimed at raising awareness, but also providing concrete tools to participate in the documentation and enhancement of mother tongues. Beyond the simple words, this approach engages young people in an interactive learning process, allowing them to appropriate their language while discovering digital platforms.
Customary of such initiatives, the famous linguist Noam Chomsky stressed that each language is an ocean of knowledge and that by preserving them, we ensure the maintenance of human diversity. This strengthens the intergenerational aspect of the campaign, because it encourages participants to transmit their linguistic knowledge to the youngest, thus integrating a sense of collective responsibility.
### towards an augmented reality of linguistic diversity
Digital presents a unique opportunity: that of enriching cultural heritage in a much more interactive and engaging way. The creation of mother tongue content, added to the accessibility of free knowledge platforms, gives a voice to millions of people whose stories have never been told. In addition, the use of technologies such as augmented reality to preserve and teach languages could have a significant impact. Imagine applications that allow a young person to see daily objects through the prism of his mother tongue, thus promoting committed immersive learning.
Other examples in the world show that similar initiatives can lead to positive results. In New Zealand, support for Māori through digital media has led to a renewal in the use of this language, proving as well as community involvement can transform the linguistic landscape. This model could very well be adapted to African languages.
#### A promising future for African mother tongues
Ultimately, “Wiki for Mother Tongue” represents much more than a simple campaign opening; It is a cry of the heart to safeguard an essential aspect of cultural identity. By encouraging the documentation and valuation of mother tongues, this pave initiative for a future where linguistic diversity is celebrated and protected.
The success of this campaign is based on the active participation of young people, institutions and communities. As Cerise Mbenzo said, CEO of cherryproduction, “the mother tongue is not just a simple communication tool. It is the mirror of our cultural identity. ” In this era where everything accelerates, it is imperative to slow down, to listen, and to preserve the voices that have shaped our humanity.
As “Wiki for Mother Tongue” continues on its way until 2025, it is up to each of us to embody this vision – to engage, to document and to celebrate our linguistic riches, because each language that disappears carries with She a world of meanings. With the ambition to build an inclusive digital future, all voices count, and it is time to make those of African mother tongues heard in the great concert of humanity.
** Dorcas Mwavita/Fatshimetrie **