“For our nation, language is a value that has always been uncompromisingly defended and collectively symbolized by April 14, 1978”, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili released a statement on Thursday. 

According to PM Garibashvili, the duty of each of us is to treat language with respect and to preserve, develop and pass on this true treasure to future generations.

“Language is one of the main signs of national identity. The Georgian language combines the originality of Georgia, historical memory, patriotic spirit and our national self-consciousness. For our nation, language is a value that has always been uncompromisingly defended and collectively symbolized by 14TH April 1978 – the Day of the State Language fought by the people under an authoritarian regime. Our victory preserved the state status not only of Georgian but also of the languages of other republics.

This year we celebrate the Day of State Language fairly differently. The ten-year program of the state language approved by the Government of Georgia establishes new goals required for the full functioning of the state language and conditions that are created to achieve this task. The ten-year strategy will contribute to the improved fulfilment of the functions defined by the Constitution of Georgian and Abkhazian languages, as well as the protection of the Kartvelian languages, research and development of language technologies.

It is the duty of each of us to treat language with special respect and to preserve, develop and pass on to our future generations this true treasure.” reads the PM’s statement. 

Georgia marks Mother Language Day on April 14.