On Saturday, February 21, 2026, FLAM Monde will host a live YouTube event, “Mes langues, mes maisons” (“My Languages, My Homes”), dedicated to celebrating International Mother Language Day. The event, free and open to all, will explore the importance of linguistic diversity, heritage language transmission, and intercultural education.

The Growing Importance of Mother Tongue Preservation

International Mother Language Day, recognized annually on February 21st, highlights the critical role languages play in culture, communication, and identity. FLAM Monde’s event underscores a growing global awareness of the need to preserve linguistic heritage, particularly in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Mes Langues, Mes Maisons”: A Deeper Look

The theme, “Mes langues, mes maisons,” emphasizes that a mother tongue is more than just a means of communication; it’s a foundational element of identity, memory, and emotion. For individuals navigating plurilingualism, expatriation, or migration, this “home” can become multifaceted and evolving. The event will explore the transmission of language, cultural roots, and the construction of new identities.

This year’s event is linked to the artistic and educational project “Je rentre à la maison” (“I’m Going Home”) by Boulevard des Airs, with participation from 13 FLAM Monde associations. The project uses artistic creations – texts, videos, music, and dance – to explore the “identity puzzle” formed by multiple languages and cultures.

Event Highlights: A Detailed Program

The February 21st live stream will feature a packed schedule:

• 14:00 – 14:10 (Paris time): Opening remarks from the FLAM Monde team and an overview of the event.
• 14:10 – 14:50: A special broadcast focusing on the “Je rentre à la maison” project, featuring contributions from participating FLAM associations.
• 14:50 – 15:10: An interactive quiz about the FLAM network.
• 15:10 – 16:10: A roundtable discussion titled “Mes langues, mes maisons,” bringing together experts in the field.
• 16:10 – 16:20: A closing segment showcasing creative works from FLAM associations.

Expert Voices at the Roundtable

The roundtable discussion will feature:

• José Ségura (AFALAC): A specialist in multilingualism, discussing “story sacks” as an innovative pedagogical tool for early language exposure.
• Gabriel Durana (EFBA & DULALA): Focusing on how multilingualism can promote equality and combat discrimination, and highlighting DULALA’s pedagogical resources.
• Isabelle Barth (FLAM Monde Consultant & APAM): Sharing insights on linguistic policies, plurilingual education, and projects like Tonga, Planting Languages, Eupheme, and the R.E.L.H network.

The FLAM Network: A Global Force for Linguistic Diversity

FLAM Monde represents a network of approximately 120 associations worldwide, supporting French-speaking families, binational families, and francophones in maintaining and transmitting the French language and culture to their children. These associations offer educational and cultural activities for children aged 3 to 18.

Why Celebrate International Mother Language Day?

UNESCO established International Mother Language Day to emphasize the importance of linguistic diversity as a cultural asset. It highlights the central role of mother tongues in education, the benefits of multilingualism for intercultural dialogue, and the need to protect endangered languages.

Did you know? Approximately 6,000 languages are spoken worldwide, but many are at risk of disappearing.

Join the Conversation

Participation in the February 21st event is free and requires no registration. Simply click on the YouTube live stream link: https://youtube.com/live/7s9Aj0HPXtk1

Share this event with your network – families, friends, colleagues, and associations – to foster a rich exchange of ideas.

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