Of the estimated 150 languages still spoken, Dr Fogarty says that only a handful - about 6% - are considered "strong" and are still spoken as a mother tongue, while many others are endangered.

BBC: Lost indigenous language revived in Australia

There is a need for a broader understanding of intercultural and multilingual education as a continuum of mother tongue-based education from a right to an education perspective.

UNESCO: Education

Facing decline, France enacted silly laws to prop up the mother tongue, such as requiring the use of French in the public square, in advertising, etc.

FORBES: Detroit's Brand Killer

In the face of its waning importance France enacted silly laws to shore up the mother tongue, such as requiring the use of French in the public square, in advertising, etc.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Mother tongue education and learning languages were also highlighted as a means to foster dialogue and openness towards others.

UNESCO: Education

The conference aims to help countries plan, carry out and manage ECCE programmes, including those for disadvantaged and excluded groups, as well as to adapt ECCE curricula in the light of recent research on pedagogy and psychology, with special focus on mother-tongue teaching.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES