People attend a workshop marking the International Mother Language Day in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2026. In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

Children participate in a French storytelling session in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2026. In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People attend a workshop marking the International Mother Language Day in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2026. In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People attend a panel discussion marking the International Mother Language Day in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2026. In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

People attend a Mandarin language experience session in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 21, 2026. In 1999, UNESCO declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)