The Department of Media Language and Communication at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) will celebrate International Mother Language Day 2026, under the theme “Multilingualism for inclusive education: recognising linguistic diversity in higher education.” The event will take place on Friday, 13 March 2026, from 12:00 to 14:00 on MS Teams.
The observance of International Mother Language Day at DUT serves as a strong affirmation of the institution’s commitment to fostering inclusive, equitable, and socially responsive higher education. Recognising that language is fundamental to identity, access, and learning, this celebration encourages reflection on how linguistic diversity is acknowledged and supported within academic environments.
Professor Maleshoane Rapeane-Mathonsi, Acting Head of the Language and Communication Department, explained the theme and its significance in depth.
“The theme, ‘Multilingualism for inclusive education: recognising linguistic diversity in higher education,’ speaks directly to the realities of our students, many of whom navigate university life through multiple languages. By foregrounding isiZulu, isiXhosa, Xitsonga, Sesotho, and South African Sign Language, this year’s programme acknowledges that knowledge is not monolingual and that meaningful learning is enhanced when students’ linguistic repertoires are valued rather than marginalised,” said Prof Rapeane-Mathonsi.
“These languages represent not only demographic realities but also distinct ways of knowing, communicating, and making meaning. By foregrounding them, DUT affirms that multilingualism is not a barrier to academic excellence but a resource that enhances learning and supports student success.”
This celebration aligns with DUT’s transformation agenda by encouraging the community to move beyond symbolic recognition and adopt multilingual pedagogies, inclusive curricula, and accessible teaching practices. International Mother Language Day therefore serves not only as a commemoration but also as a call to action, urging the DUT community to embed linguistic diversity at the heart of teaching, learning, and knowledge production.
Pictured: A poster depicting International Mother Language Day 2026.
Thubelihle Dumakude
