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On February 21 this year, there was a global observance of linguistic diversity:  International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the richness of languages spoken around the world. This annual celebration, supported by worldwide organizations such as the UN and UNESCO, brings communities together to honor the beauty and significance of each native language, fostering cultural understanding and unity. 

The ̽����ѡ in Salt Lake City teamed up with the Salt Lake City government to honoring the linguistic diversity in Salt Lake City. This collaborative video project for International Mother Language Day intertwined the theme of “advice from our mothers.” Each participant shared idioms or words of wisdom passed down by their mothers in their native languages. This play-on theme highlighted the beauty of various languages spoken in Salt Lake City and showcased valuable guidance we can all learn from.  

A number of team members from the ̽����ѡ contributed phrases from multiple languages and phrases, including the following: 

Lingala: Alelaka pamba pamba te, donc il faut pas olelaka ka pamba pamba. “Don’t cry for nothing.” – Russel Mbaya, Employment Specialist 

Persian: هزار بدیع الجمال پیش آید ببین و بگذر و خاطر به هیچکس مسپار “Don’t let your heart get too attached to anyone.”  – Nima Pouraein, Mental Health Specialist 

Pashto: په هغه څه مه خندل چې تاسو یې نه لرئ. “Don’t laugh at what you don’t have.” – Arshad Saeed, APA Immigration Specialist 

Spanish: No dejes camino real por vereda. “Don’t leave a paved road for one not walked.” – Balam Yapur, Refugee Progress Assessment Assistant 

Spanish: No tomes nada personal recuerda que cada uno es diferente y tenemos buenos y malos días. “Don’t take anything personally. Remember that everyone is different, and we have good and bad days.” – Carolina Yauyo, Employment Specialist 

Spanish: Eres como las niñas de mis ojos. “You are the apple of my eye.” – Noelia Rosales, Spanish Interpreter 

The Salt Lake City Government employees also contributed advice from their mothers in Wolof, Burmese, Portuguese, and Spanish. These words of advice can be

Reflecting on the significance of International Mother Language Day, it is imperative to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the interpretation team at the ̽����ѡ in Salt Lake City. The interpretation program provides high-quality interpretation services to refugees adapting to their Salt Lake community. Comprising of over 20 individuals proficient in multiple languages, the interpretation team bridges understanding and empathy between diverse communities. Farah Al-Hamdani, interpreting service manager, explains the interpreter’s role, “We have the ability to bridge the gap between caseworkers and client, building trust that demands presence throughout the organization.”  

This team offers assistance in communicating and understanding a new home with linguistic barriers. They ensure that refugees can access essential services, understand their rights, and fully participate in the social, economic, and civic life of their new home. Their expertise eases the resettlement process, fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment among refugees, and reinforces linguistic diversity as something to celebrate. 

As the community commemorated International Mother Language Day, it reaffirmed the importance of embracing and celebrating the kaleidoscope of languages in Utah. To continue supporting refugees and promoting cultural understanding in Salt Lake City, consider donating to the ̽����ѡ. Your contributions can help enable the interpretation team and other essential services to ensure that language barriers never become insurmountable obstacles for those seeking safety and refuge in our community. Uphold the spirit of International Mother Language Day every day, fostering a community where every voice is heard, and every language is valued. 

Make your contribution to the ̽����ѡ in Salt Lake City in honor of International Mother Language Day.