Jamwaktu.com – On December 21, 2023, the United Nations commemorated the first International Day of Turkish Families, a new initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties and preserving the Turkish language worldwide. The event was attended by international delegations, community leaders, academics, and members of the Turkish diaspora from various parts of the world. This commemoration marked a significant milestone in efforts to promote and elevate the value of linguistic diversity, while highlighting the importance of language preservation within the context of families and global society.
Background to the Commemoration of International Day of Turkish Families
This International Day of Turkish Families was initiated by the Government of Turkey and approved by the UN General Assembly in 2023. This initiative aims to remind the world of the importance of language as an integral part of cultural and social identity, especially for Turkish-speaking families, both in Turkey and in the diaspora spread throughout the world. With the advancement of global communication technology, many languages are facing extinction, including Turkish, which experts predict will face challenges in maintaining its existence abroad. In her remarks, the UN Director-General for Education, Science and Culture, Audrey Azoulay, emphasized the importance of preserving the world’s linguistic diversity.
“Language is a cultural bridge that connects generations, families, and communities. Preserving language within families not only enriches cultural identity but also strengthens mutual understanding and unity among nations,” she said.
Purpose and Benefits of Commemorating This Day
World Turkish Language Family Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the Turkish language among Turkish-speaking families worldwide. With more than 70 million Turkish speakers in various countries, preserving this language is a collective responsibility to ensure that future generations can maintain and develop this language as a living means of communication. One goal is to encourage Turkish-speaking parents to pass on their linguistic heritage to their children, even when they live in non-Turkish countries.
Furthermore, this commemoration is also expected to strengthen the role of the Turkish language as part of the world’s cultural heritage. According to a UNESCO report, more than 40% of the world’s languages are threatened with extinction by the end of this century. In this context, it is crucial for Turkish-speaking families to ensure that they not only speak the language of the country where they live, but also preserve their mother tongue.
The Role of Families in Language Preservation
In a series of events commemorating World Turkish Family Day, numerous discussions and panels highlighted the role of families in language preservation. One topic highlighted was the importance of the family as the first institution to introduce language to children. Many Turkish families living abroad, particularly in Europe, America, and the Middle East, face challenges in maintaining Turkish amidst the cultural and linguistic pressures of their host countries.
Professor Zeynep Demirtaş, an expert in Turkish linguistics and culture, stated in her presentation, “Outside Turkey, the Turkish language faces many challenges, especially with the strong influence of the majority language. However, the family is the first line of defense in preserving the language, and it must start at home.”
Professor Demirtaş added that formal and non-formal education in Turkish is also crucial to supporting the preservation of the language.
The Positive Influence of the Turkish Language on Global Society
Preserving the Turkish language is not only important for families and individuals, but also has a significant impact on global society as a whole. As a language widely used in international diplomacy, economics, and the arts, Turkish has the potential to enrich interactions between nations. Moreover, in an increasingly connected world, language can be a powerful tool in building intercultural relationships, both politically and socially.
For example, in the tourism and economic sectors, Turkish plays a crucial role in bridging relations between Turkey and other countries. Understanding Turkish not only facilitates communication between individuals but also strengthens business and diplomatic cooperation between Türkiye and partner countries.
Supporting Global Linguistic Diversity
The first International Day of the Turkish Language Family also provides an opportunity to support global linguistic diversity. In an increasingly connected world, it is important to remember that every language is a window to deeper cultural understanding. The UN encourages every country to play an active role in preserving and promoting minority languages within their societies, including Turkish.
“We must continue to strive to protect and develop the world’s linguistic diversity,” Azoulay stated in closing the forum. “Language is one of humanity’s greatest treasures and must be safeguarded for future generations.”
Conclusion: Preserving the Turkish Language for the Future
The first International Day of the Turkish Language Family marks an important step in raising global awareness of the importance of preserving the Turkish language, especially within the context of families and the international community. With a growing Turkish diaspora spread across the globe, preserving this language is not only crucial to the cultural identity of the Turkish people but also contributes to the preservation of global cultural diversity. This commemoration reminds us all that language preservation is an effort that does not depend solely on one party, but is a shared responsibility that must continue to be fought for for a more diverse and inclusive future.
