Every Language Learner

International Mother Language Day is often a moment of visibility — a day where languages are seen, heard, and celebrated across the school.
But the real impact comes from what happens next. How do we ensure that this visibility does not disappear once the day is over?
One simple and sustainable way to continue this work is by introducing a multilingual “Word of the Week.”

A multilingual “Word of the Week” is a simple approach where one meaningful word is selected and shared in the different languages spoken across the school community.

This could be a word such as:

• hello
• welcome
• family
• friend
• identity
• learn
• belong

The word is then translated into the languages represented in your school and displayed or shared in a visible way.

Why does this matter?

This small, consistent action can have a powerful impact.

It helps to:

• make languages visible in everyday school life
• affirm the identities of multilingual students
• build curiosity and respect among all students
• create regular opportunities to talk about language

Importantly, it moves language inclusion beyond a one-off event and into everyday practice.

How can schools implement it?

This approach is intentionally low workload and flexible.

You might:

• display the word on a noticeboard or digital screen
• share it during tutor time or assemblies
• include it in a weekly newsletter
• invite students to contribute translations

Students can take ownership by:

• bringing translations from home
• checking meaning and pronunciation with family members
• teaching the word to their peers

This helps position multilingual students as knowledgeable and valued members of the school community.

Keeping it inclusive and meaningful

A few simple considerations can make this approach more impactful:

• Choose words that connect to school values (e.g. respect, belonging, community)
• Ensure a wide range of languages are represented over time
• Value all contributions equally
• Be open to different scripts and writing systems

This is not about perfect accuracy or polished displays. It is about visibility, respect, and inclusion.

Start small and build over time

You do not need to include every language immediately.

You might begin with:

• a small group of students
• one class or year group

Over time, this can grow into a whole-school approach.

A small action with lasting impact

A multilingual Word of the Week takes only a few minutes to organise, but it sends a powerful and consistent message:

Your language matters here.

When this message is embedded into everyday school life, it contributes to a culture where multilingualism is recognised as an asset.

Looking ahead

This is the first in a series exploring simple, sustainable ways to build language-inclusive practice beyond International Mother Language Day.

Next, I will be sharing how to create a living language display that grows with your school community.

An Alternative: Language of the Month

For some schools, a weekly approach may not feel manageable or sustainable.

An alternative is to introduce a Language of the Month.

This involves selecting one language spoken within your school community and exploring it in slightly more depth over a longer period of time.

This might include:

• learning key words and phrases
• exploring where the language is spoken
• sharing student or family contributions
• highlighting cultural and linguistic diversity

A monthly approach allows more time for meaningful engagement, particularly in busy school contexts where weekly updates may be difficult to maintain.

Both approaches have value:

• Word of the Week supports regular, visible engagement with multiple languages
• Language of the Month allows for deeper exploration and understanding

Schools may choose one approach, or combine both — for example, linking weekly words to the featured language of the month.

If you would like to explore this approach further, I have previously shared a practical guide on introducing Language of the Month in schools.