The English Language Teaching department at Tishk International University—Sulaimani successfully hosted an insightful international workshop titled “Kurdish as a Mother Tongue: Challenges, Policies, and Prospects” for the International Mother Language Day event on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This workshop aimed to raise awareness of the importance of the mother tongue among students and the wider academic community.
Pivotal Discussions on Language and Identity
The workshop featured four key sessions led by distinguished experts:
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Twana Hamid led the first session, exploring the common perception that one language variation is more prestigious than another, and addressing misconceptions about these linguistic variations.
- Prof. Dr. Shelan Omer discussed the principles of language policy and management by educational institutions, emphasizing the strong association of language with a nation’s identity.
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sazzad Zahid provided a historical background of the International Mother Language Day, highlighting the political and social struggles that led to its international recognition in Bangladesh.
- Mr. Atta Ahmed concentrated on the language policy in education, presenting the current status of the Kurdish language in educational institutions and discussing prospects for its future based on recent statistics.
The sessions provided a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the mother tongue from a global perspective, covering academic, historical, and political dimensions.
Commitment to Academic Enrichment
This successful event reflects the department’s commitment to providing a platform for critical discussions and promoting cultural awareness. The workshop provided students with a deeper appreciation for their mother tongue and its role in preserving national identity.
Keywords: Mother Language, Kurdish, English Language Teaching, Workshop, Linguistics, International Mother Language Day, Higher Education
