Cihan University-Erbil Commemorates International Mother Language Day with Strategic Academic Initiatives
Under the motto “Language is the Mirror of Culture,” Cihan University-Erbil organized a high-profile ceremony to mark International Mother Language Day on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The event, held at the university’s VIP Hall, was attended by Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, President of Cihan University-Erbil; Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Cihan Universities; Mr. Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil; university vice presidents; department heads; and a distinguished group of linguists, researchers, and students.
Language as a Right and Identity
The ceremony commenced with a keynote address by Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi, who referenced UNESCO and United Nations resolutions regarding linguistic rights. He emphasized that the mother language is not merely a tool for communication
but a fundamental human right and the strongest pillar for preserving the national and cultural fabric of any nation. He explained that education in the mother tongue fosters intellectual growth and deepens the understanding of human and national values, asserting that protecting one’s language is synonymous with safeguarding history and ensuring the future.
Resilience of the Kurdish Language
Addressing the historical challenges, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi stated: “Our nation is among those whose language has faced centuries of attempted erasure. However, the resilience of the Kurdish language has allowed it to emerge as one of the most vibrant languages globally, possessing a rich and diverse vocabulary.” He added that this historical achievement necessitates continuous scientific development to ensure the language thrives in the modern world.
Future Horizons: Digitization and AI
Regarding the university’s future vision, Professor Dr. Amjad Saber Al-Delawi announced a major national project by Cihan University-Erbil to digitize the Kurdish language using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. This initiative aims to conduct profound scientific research on terminology and establish an academic environment where students and faculty can enhance their linguistic capabilities to meet international standards.
Advice to Youth and Knowledge Exchange
In his speech, Dr. Nawzad Yahya Bajger paid tribute to the martyr Abdulkhaliq Marouf and urged the youth to master three essential languages to reach the pinnacle of science: Kurdish (Identity), English (Science), and Technology (Computing). He noted that proficiency in these areas elevates Kurdish youth to the level of their peers in developed nations like Japan and the USA, highlighting the significance of the Kurdish language’s presence on global platforms such as Google.
Cultural Heritage and Global Languages
The event featured several scientific segments, including the introduction of a rare 1888 Kurdish grammar manuscript written in Syriac/Chaldean by a priest, which has been reviewed by Cihan University-Erbil. Furthermore, Dr. Ahmed Abdul-Aun, Head of the General Education Department, and Lecturer Raad Sabir Rauf delivered presentations in Arabic and English, respectively, highlighting the richness of these languages and their roles in global scientific understanding. The ceremony concluded with messages from linguists emphasizing the collective responsibility of academic institutions and the private sector in preserving the mother tongue.
