International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity which was created by the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organisation.

This day occurs every February and has done for over 20 years, with this year falling on the 21st of February. The UN recognised that 43% of the 6000 languages all over the world are endangered.

Sky News Presenter Isabel Webster left a multilingual travel writer, Alex Rawlings, “speechless” when she asked which language he believed was the “most pointless”.

She went on to say that someone had said in her ear that Welsh was the answer to the question. Alex Rawlings responded with his love for Wales by saying, “I love the Welsh Language and I love going to Wales. I don’t think there’s such a thing as a useless language.”

Back in 2013, there was reports that the Welsh language was ‘dying out’ but research carried out at Canterbury University in New Zealand this year found that 30% of the population are Welsh speakers. They determined from this that the language was ‘safe’.

Dan Rhydderch, 21, is a Welsh speaking student at the University of South Wales who thinks learning different languages can encourage people to be more open minded about different cultures. He also believes it’s important to keep Welsh language alive.

“I think anything that’s an identifiable character of your country and where you’re from is something to be protected,” he said. “Welsh is one of the oldest language and should be respected.”

The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Dan De’Ath, spoke at a IMLD held by International Mother Language Momentum Cardiff in Grangemoor Park. Julie Morgan AM and Councillor Mike Jones-Pritchard were both presented with awards.