International Mother Language Movement (IMLM), Canberra, Australia celebrated the International Mother Language Day with Language Walk and Community Celebration.
IMLM has successfully organised its annual 'Language Walk and Community Celebration' to commemorate the International Mother Language Day 2015. On a bright sunny morning, people from different ethnic groups started to gather at the International Flag Display at the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. Representatives from almost 25 ethnic groups and speakers of 40 languages gathered to take part in the Walk.
IMLM volunteers distributed free T-shirts specifically designed for the Walk to all the participants gathered there. When people of different races and colours put on the common T-shirt, they become one and exude the spirit of 'unity in diversity'.
After paying due respect to the Ngunnawal people, the original custodian of this Land, the Walk was officially inaugurated by Ms Yvette Berry, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Community Services of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government.
The procession of multilingual and multi-ethnic people started to walk from the International Flag Display towards the Regatta Point crossing the Commonwealth Bridge and raised the slogan, 'My Language, My Pride'. After walking 1.8 km, the procession reached their destination at the Commonwealth Park next to the Regatta Point.
While they were slowly walking towards their destination, they were greeted with the live music played by the local 'Gourmet Band'. While adults were walking in a sombre mood, kids were having a blast at the jumping castle and were busy getting their face painted. Live music of the Gourmet Band was followed by poem recitation in Dari Language, traditional Afghan fashion parade, Bangla song, Chinese classical dance, Portuguese song and poem, Brazilian martial arts and dance and traditional Tongan dance.
Amidst all these fun and festivities, a genuine concern was palpable among the participants about the steady demise of many ethnic languages especially Aboriginal languages of Australia.
One of the main objectives of IMLM's organising this programme is to raise awareness about the conservation of endangered languages especially rapidly declining Aboriginal languages as well as promoting multilingualism in Australian multicultural social fabric and mutual respect and acceptance of different languages and cultures. — Press release
Upholding dignity of mother languages
FE Team | Published: February 28, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
Representatives from almost 25 ethnic groups and speakers of 40 languages gathered to take part in the Walk
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